#i liked the behind the scenes on journey to fearless

[finnickodaiir]

Society, if we had The Way I Loved You performance on the Fearless Tour in HD....

[mrsfancyferrari]

Good Luck Kiss

Summary: Lando is a fully independent guy until you are around.

Song: Under The Influence by Chris Brown

Author’s note: I can't write short stories to save my life. I hope you enjoy this long journey which may take a full day to read. Please like, reblog and share this! <3

Word count: 8.6k

Once upon a time, in the bustling world of Formula 1, there lived a young and aspiring driver named Lando Norris. Lando was known for his quick reflexes, fearless racing style, and unwavering determination.

However, there was one aspect about Lando that many people didn't know - he was a fully independent guy, except for when he was around a certain someone.

It all started when Lando Norris attended the annual Formula 1 convention.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the event, he stumbled upon a mysterious stranger. The woman's name was Y/N, and you were equally passionate about motorsports.

The two instantly connected over your shared love for speed and adrenaline.

As they chatted, Lando couldn't help but be drawn to your infectious laughter and genuine enthusiasm. They spent the entire evening together, discussing their favorite races, memorable moments, and even daring each other to try out some racing simulators.

It was a night that neither of them would ever forget, as they had found in each other a kindred spirit and a racing partner like no other.

"Wow! You're good," Lando said, flirting/teasing. "You should come over to the McLaren paddock to check it out," he added with a mischievous grin, knowing that you couldn't resist the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of Formula 1.

"You're inviting me to the McLaren paddock? Are you serious?" you asked, a mix of excitement and disbelief evident in your voice.

"I would absolutely love to! That's like a dream come true for any Formula 1 fan," you replied, unable to contain your excitement.

Lando smirked, already getting used to your smile. "Well, get ready for the ride of your life," he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Because once you step into the McLaren paddock, you'll never want to leave."

Fast forward to the present, you had become Lando's best friend and constant companion both on and off the racetrack. You were there to support him through every victory and to lift him up during the challenging moments.

Together, you formed an unbreakable bond, a dynamic duo that pushed each other to new heights. Whether it was strategizing race tactics, cheering from the pit lane, or simply sharing a laugh after a long day, you were inseparable.

The McLaren paddock had become a second home for you, a place where memories were made, dreams were pursued, and the thrill of Formula 1 was lived to the fullest.

In addition to your close friendship with Lando, you also formed strong connections with the other drivers and their partners. The paddock became a tight-knit community where you shared laughs, stories, and even the occasional friendly competition.

It was a unique bond that extended beyond the racetrack, creating lifelong friendships that would continue to flourish even after the checkered flag fell.

As time went on, Lando found himself spending more and more time with you when they weren't in the paddock, and the press kept catching them together. Speculations about a romantic relationship between the two of you started circulating, fueling rumors and adding an extra layer of excitement to your already thrilling lives.

However, both of you remained tight-lipped about the nature of your relationship, preferring to keep it private and let the speculation run its course.

"Have you heard the latest rumors about Y/N and Lando? They're definitely more than just friends, I can feel it!" one fan excitedly whispered to another in the paddock.

"I don't know, they've always been so secretive about their relationship. But I wouldn't be surprised if they're actually together," replied another, their eyes fixated on you and Lando as you laughed together nearby.

"I heard they're the perfect match, both on and off the track. They bring out the best in each other," chimed in a journalist, discreetly taking notes.

"Well, whatever their relationship status is, they make a formidable team. I've never seen Lando so focused and driven before," commented a fellow driver, watching Lando's improved performance.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see if they ever confirm it. But until then, I'm rooting for them," concluded a teammate, smiling in support. . . .

"Where's Y/N?" Lando complained, sulking after not seeing his best friend for three hours.

This morning, he was required to film a go kart video for Quadrant for their marketing campaign and it was suggested that you be a part of it, which he had no problem with at all, he wanted you to be there regardless.

"Don't worry mate, I'm sure your girlfriend will be here soon," Max teased, nudging his shoulder against Lando's.

Lando gently shoved him back for his comment, a playful smile on his face. "She's not my girlfriend, Max. Y/N and I are just really close friends," he clarified, emphasizing the word 'friend' to make his point.

Deep down, though, Lando couldn't help but wonder if there could ever be something more between them.

"Yeah, yeah," Max replied, not believing him one bit. "I've seen the way you two look at each other. There's definitely something more going on there, mate."

Before Lando could talk back, footsteps were heard, and you emerged from the crowd of staff.

You emerged from the crowd of staff, donning a sleek black leather jacket that hugged your figure perfectly. Underneath, you wore a vibrant orange crop top that accentuated your curves and matched the colour of the McLaren, paired with high-waisted jeans that showcased your long legs.

Completing the ensemble were a pair of white sneakers that added a touch of casual coolness to your overall look.

As you approached Lando and Max, the mischievous smile on your lips hinted at the adventures that awaited the three of you, fueling Lando's curiosity even further about the potential for something more than just friendship between you.

"Sorry I'm late, boys. Traffic was a nightmare," you said, smiling at Lando, who couldn't help but blush at the sight of you.

"It's okay, we can start now," Lando assured, avoiding your eyes to calm down a bit.

"But when I'm 5 minutes late, I get yelled at," Max muttered beside him and received another shove from Lando.

Lando took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts as he prepared to introduce the go-karting video.

With you and Max standing beside him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous excitement. "Alright, everyone, welcome to Quadrant's go-karting extravaganza!" Lando exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Today, we have two special guests joining us for some adrenaline-pumping action. Please give a warm welcome to the one and only Y/N and the ever-competitive Max!"

The crowd cheered, and Lando glanced at you. A mixture of anticipation and something else he couldn't quite put his finger on coursing through him.

Max playfully nudged Lando's shoulder, adding, "And let me tell you, folks, the competition between Lando and Y/N is about to get intense. I can't wait to see who comes out on top!"

After explaining the rules, the three of them started to change into their racing suits. Max slipped into his familiar Red Bull suit, while you and Lando excitedly put on the McLaren suits.

As Lando muttered, "Let me help you with that," he reached for your helmet, his fingers grazing your cheek as he brushed your hair away.

The intensity in his eyes remained unbroken as he carefully positioned the helmet on your head, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

"Oh my god! You two better get a room," Max said beside you two, looking more frustrated than the two of you felt about your feelings for each other.

Lando quickly let go of you, a faint blush still lingering on his cheeks, and you said a quick thank you before rushing over to where Max was since it was you vs Max first.

The anticipation and excitement in the air was palpable as you both prepared to show off your go-karting skills.

You both got into your go-karts with the determination to start the video with a great race to capture the viewer's attention.

You gripped the wheel of your go-kart tightly, your heart pounding with anticipation. Lando raised the starter pistol, his eyes focused on the track ahead. "On your marks... get set..." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Go!"

The sound of the pistol echoed through the air, and you and Max shot off like lightning. The thrill of the race fueled your determination to come out on top.

The wind whipped through your hair as you maneuvered your kart around the bends. The thrill of the race pushing you to your limits. As the laps flew by, the competition between you and Max intensified, fueling the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

With adrenaline coursing through your veins, you pressed down on the accelerator and zoomed ahead, determined to showcase your go-karting skills. Max, however, was not far behind, and the friendly competition between the two of you intensified as you maneuvered through the twists and turns of the track.

Max was hot on your tail, his competitive nature driving him to catch up and surpass you. The cheers from the crowd faded into the background as you focused on the twists and turns of the track, determined to give it your all.

The wind whipped against your face, causing your cheeks to flush with exhilaration. Every twist and turn of the track sent a surge of adrenaline through your veins, heightening your senses and sharpening your focus. The vibrations from the go-kart's engine reverberated through your body, adding to the excitement of the race.

As the race continued, you and Max pushed each other to the limits, maneuvering through the twists and turns with precision and skill. The crowd cheered as you both showcased your go-karting prowess, but Max's determination proved to be unmatched.

In the final lap, he made a daring move, overtaking you with a burst of speed that left you in awe. With a triumphant smile, Max crossed the finish line, claiming victory in the race.

Despite the disappointment of not winning, you couldn't help but admire Max's talent and sportsmanship, knowing that you had given it your all in a thrilling and unforgettable race.

Lando quickly ran over to you as you got out of the go-kart to check for any injuries while you assured him that you were fine.

Despite the loss, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for the exhilarating race you had just experienced.

"What about me? I think my legs hurt," Max muttered, acting like he broke his leg.

"That's karma for you," Lando replied, "You should have let Y/N win,"

"Never," Max said with a smirk, "I'm not one to let someone win just out of pity." Lando chuckled and patted Max on the back, "Well, Y/N certainly gave you a run for your money. It was an incredible race to watch."

Max's competitive spirit still brimming, he replied, "Yeah, they did. I'll give them that. But next time, I won't be so merciful."

You chuckle and playfully retort, "Oh, so you're admitting that you were being merciful this time?"

Max rolls his eyes and smirks, "Just you wait, next time I won't hold back and you won't stand a chance."

You and Lando got into your go-karts, the engines roaring to life as you prepared for the race. The smell of burning rubber filled the air, adding to the anticipation of the competition.

"Am I going to get my good luck kiss?" Lando teased beside you, causing a playful smile to spread across your face.

You playfully roll your eyes at Lando's comment and give him a playful shove. "You wish," you respond with a smirk.

Lando pleads, "Come on, just one good luck kiss! It worked last time!"

You laugh and shake your head, "Sorry, Lando, but I don't think a kiss will give you an advantage this time. You'll have to rely on your own skills."

Lando pouted, feeling disappointed that things didn't go his way. Max, who had been growing increasingly disgusted by the playful "flirting" between you and Lando, decided to take matters into his own hands.

Without warning, he fired the starting pistol, catching both you and Lando off guard and initiating the race with a bang. The sudden sound echoed through the air, signaling the beginning of another intense competition.

The race started off with a flurry of speed and adrenaline as you and Lando maneuvered your go-karts through the twists and turns of the track. Both of you showcased impressive skills, overtaking each other and pushing the limits of your vehicles.

As the race progressed, Lando began to gain a slight edge, skillfully navigating the corners and maximizing his speed on the straightaways. You gave it your all, refusing to let Lando take the lead without a fight. But despite your best efforts, Lando's expertise and precision behind the wheel proved to be unmatched.

You could feel the wind from Lando's go-kart as he zoomed past the front of your car, leaving you in his dust. His maneuver was both impressive and frustrating, as you had been neck-and-neck for most of the race.

"Hey, I thought you would take it easy on her?" Max asked Lando after he got out of the go-kart.

Lando chuckled and shrugged, " Since she wouldn't give me what I wanted, I had no choice but to do it."

"You would have won regardless, with or without the kiss," you said, also getting out of the go-kart. "It was a great race, Lando. You really showed your skill out there."

Lando grinned, still catching his breath. "Thanks Y/N."

Since you were tired from all the racing, the two guys decided to do some mini games to pass the time while you rested on a chair. They set up a table tennis table and started a friendly match, their competitive spirits still shining through.

As they played, you watched with amusement, enjoying the lighthearted banter and laughter that filled the air.

Occasionally, they would invite you to join in, but you declined, content to relax and soak in the camaraderie that had developed between the three of you.

After a few rounds of table tennis, they moved on to a game of darts, taking turns aiming for the bullseye with precision and skill. It was a refreshing change of pace from the intense racing, and you found yourself appreciating the moment of respite.

As you laid back on the chair, you started to fall asleep, the sounds of their laughter and the clinking of darts fading into the background. The exhaustion from the race and the adrenaline rush began to take its toll, and before you knew it, you drifted off into a peaceful slumber, feeling grateful for the bonds of friendship that had been formed during this exhilarating competition.

You knew that there would likely be photos or videos taken of you sleeping, but at that moment, you didn't care. The fatigue from the race had overtaken you, and all you wanted was a peaceful nap.

The trust and camaraderie you had built with Lando and Max allowed you to let your guard down, knowing that even if embarrassing moments were captured, they would remain within the circle of friendship.

The intense racing had left you physically and mentally drained, making the peaceful slumber that followed even more satisfying.

The adrenaline rush and the exertion of pushing yourself to the limit had taken a toll on your energy levels, and the nap provided a much-needed opportunity to recharge and recover. . . .

As you slowly opened your eyes, you were greeted by the refreshing sensation of coolness and shade. You thought the sun had shifted and now cast a gentle shadow over the area where you had been napping.

It was a stark contrast to the warmth and brightness that enveloped you before, and you couldn't help but feel grateful for the respite from the scorching heat.

You looked over to see Lando holding an umbrella over you while being on his phone, and couldn't help but feel touched by his thoughtful gesture. Despite being absorbed in his own activities, he had taken the time to shield you from the sun and ensure your comfort.

You couldn't help but admire Lando's striking features. His curly hair, tousled by the wind, framed a face that exuded a combination of youthful energy and maturity beyond his years. His eyes, a vibrant shade of hazel, sparkled with intelligence and a mischievous glint that hinted at his playful nature.

The dimples that appeared when he smiled added an undeniable charm to his already captivating presence. And his infectious laughter, a melodic blend of joy and enthusiasm, never failed to brighten your day.

But it was his kind heart and genuine concern for others that truly set him apart.

His selflessness had been evident in countless small gestures, like now, as he shielded you from the sun without a second thought, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the happiness and well-being of those around him.

His eyes then flickered up and met your eyes, locking in a moment of connection that sent a jolt of electricity through your body. In that instant, it felt as if time had stopped, and the world around you faded into the background, leaving only the two of you in a bubble of unspoken emotions.

"Well good evening sleepyhead, how long have you been awake?" Lando teased, breaking the enchanting spell between the two of you.

The sound of his voice brought you back to reality, and you couldn't help but blush at being caught in such a vulnerable moment.

"Wait, did you say evening?" you stammered, trying to gather your thoughts.

Lando chuckled softly, his eyes still holding a twinkle of amusement.

"Well, time flies when you're lost in a nap, doesn't it? It's already late afternoon," he replied, a warm smile playing on his lips.

"What about the video?" you asked, sitting in panic that you ruined it because you were asleep.

Lando's smile widened as he reassured you, "Don't worry, we still have time to do the final if you're still up for it. Your nap just added a touch of authenticity to the footage."

You nodded, taking the umbrella off Lando so he could stretch his arm. As he did, you couldn't help but appreciate the way his muscles flexed and the way his sleeves rolled up, revealing his tanned skin.

It was moments like these that made you grateful for the unexpected connections you found in life.

"Finally she has risen from the nap of the century," Max said as soon as he saw the both of you walk into the staff room.

You couldn't help but blush at the teasing remark, but Lando's reassuring presence beside you made you feel at ease.

"We're definitely up for finishing the video today," Lando replied with a confident smile. "We just had a little detour, but we're ready to get back on track."

Lando replied confidently, his eyes glancing at you for confirmation.

You nodded, feeling a surge of excitement and determination to complete the project with the support of your newfound connection.

"I guess I can spend one more hour of my time to beat the both of you in go-karting," Max stated, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

You couldn't help but exchange a playful glance with Lando, silently accepting the challenge and looking forward to the friendly competition that awaited you.

"Challenge accepted," you replied, a mischievous grin spreading across your face.

The upcoming go-karting race was not just a friendly competition between friends. It was the final showdown between Max and Lando, a battle that would determine once and for all who was the true champion of the track.

As Max and Lando did their slow walk for the video, the tension in the air was palpable. This final race was not just about winning a trophy; it was about pride, honor, and the ultimate bragging rights among friends.

The tension in the air was palpable, and everyone knew that this race would be the ultimate test of skill and determination for both competitors.

As they got into their go-karts, Lando gestured for you to come over.

Curiosity piqued, you approached Lando's go-kart, wondering what he had in store.

He leaned in and whispered, "I'm going to need my good luck kiss if you want me to win this race."

"Well," you whispered back with a mischievous glint in your eye, "if it's good luck you're after, I suppose I have no choice but to oblige. After all, we wouldn't want anything to hinder our chances of beating Max, would we?"

Lando grinned and nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with determination. He knew that every advantage counted in this high-stakes race, and he was willing to go to any lengths to secure the victory.

He also just wanted a kiss from you.

You cupped his face and gently placed your lips on his cheek, giving him the good luck kiss he desired.

As your lips touched Lando's cheek, a surge of warmth and determination spread through Lando's body. It was as if the kiss transferred a sense of confidence, fueling him with an electric energy that would propel Lando forward in the race.

As you pulled away, a spark of excitement passed between you, fueling your determination to win the race and prove to Max once and for all that you and Lando were an unstoppable team.

Lando's ears turned a shade of crimson, but his smile only grew brighter. He couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation and confidence, knowing that he had your support and the added boost of the good luck kiss.

"Thanks Y/N," he said, his voice filled with gratitude and excitement. "With your good luck kiss, I know we're going to dominate this race and show Max who the true champion is."

With determination in his eyes, Lando strapped on his helmet and revved the engine of his go-kart, prepared to give it his all in the race.

Blushing at his words, you playfully tapped Lando on the shoulder before walking over to the starting line with the starting pistol in hand.

The anticipation in the air was palpable as you raised the pistol, ready to signal the start of the race and unleash the fierce competition between Lando and Max.

The good luck kiss not only symbolized your support for Lando, but it also ignited a newfound confidence within him.

Fueled by the warmth and determination that the kiss brought, Lando was ready to give his all in the race, knowing that he had the power of your love and support behind him, making him unstoppable.

The sound of the starting pistol echoed through the air, piercing the silence and signaling the beginning of the race.

Lando's go-kart shot forward, the engine roaring as he accelerated with a fierce determination. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, his focus fixed solely on the track ahead.

With every twist and turn, he pushed himself to the limit, fueled by the knowledge that he had your love and support propelling him forward.

As the race progressed, Lando skillfully maneuvered through the tight corners and overtaking Max with precision. Each lap brought him closer to victory, and his confidence soared with every successful maneuver. His determination never wavered, and he maintained a steady lead throughout the race.

In the final moments, with the finish line in sight, Lando summoned every ounce of his skill and experience. He pushed his go-kart to its limits, leaving his rival trailing behind.

As he crossed the finish line, a triumphant smile spread across his face.

Lando had emerged as the true champion, proving to Max and everyone else that with your support, he was unstoppable.

He immediately made his way to where you were, quickly jumping out of the go-kart and into your arms. The adrenaline was still pumping through his veins as he held you tightly, his heart filled with a mixture of excitement and gratitude.

Breathing heavily, he looked into your eyes with a mixture of exhilaration and gratitude, knowing that it was your good luck kiss and unwavering support that propelled him to victory.

With tears of joy welling in his eyes, he whispered, "Thank you for believing in me. I couldn't have done it without you."

As you took off Lando's helmet, a mischievous smile spread across your face. Playfully, you pressed kisses all over his cheeks, purposely missing his lips. Lando couldn't help but laugh, feeling the warmth of your love and support enveloping him.

In that moment, he knew that your presence and encouragement were the true driving force behind his victory, and he was forever grateful for your unwavering belief in him.

Lando chuckled, his heart still racing from the intense competition.

"If it's good luck kisses that you need to win races, I'll gladly take as many as you want to give," you replied, playfully wiping off the remaining lipstick stains from his face.

Your presence and support had truly become his secret weapon, fueling him with the determination to conquer any race that lay ahead.

Lando couldn't help but blush at your playful gesture, feeling a surge of happiness and gratitude. "I wouldn't say no to more good luck kisses," he replied with a grin, his heart swelling with love for you.

"But can you promise me something?"

"What is it?"

Lando whispered, his voice barely audible. He pointed to his lips, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If I win a grand prix, you have to give me a victory kiss right here."

Your heart skipped a beat as you looked into his eyes, realizing that his request was both playful and sincere.

With a smile, you nodded and replied, "Deal. I'll be waiting to give you that grand prix victory kiss."

Lando chuckled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't wait to win these races and claim my well-deserved victory kiss. You better start practicing your cheering skills because I'm going to need all the luck I can get," he teased, his voice filled with determination and anticipation.

"Trust me, I'll be the loudest cheerleader in the stands, I have no doubt that you'll win every race and I'll be right there cheering you on," you replied, your voice filled with unwavering belief and love.

Lost in the moment, the both of you didn't even hear Max do the outro for the video. The chemistry between you was undeniable, and it seemed like everyone around you could see it.

Max, who had been watching your interactions all day, let out an exasperated sigh. "Are you two ever going to get together?" he muttered under his breath, clearly sick of the two of you dancing around your feelings.

It was time to stop playing games and finally admit what had been obvious to everyone else for so long. . . .

And so, the whispers of Lando and your relationship spread throughout the racing community, with everyone eagerly anticipating the day when you would finally become more than just friends. . . .

The anticipation for the Miami Grand Prix reached fever pitch as fans eagerly awaited your relationship with Lando to blossom. The video had ignited a frenzy of excitement, and spectators couldn't help but wonder if the grand prix victory kiss would be the catalyst for your official union.

The anticipation for the Miami Grand Prix was at an all-time high, fueled not only by the excitement of the race but also by the fans' obsession with your relationship with Lando.

Everywhere you went, people asked when you were going to make it official, eagerly waiting for the victory kiss that had been promised.

The pressure was on, but deep down, you both knew that this race would be a turning point in more ways than one.

As Lando delved into intense discussions with the engineers, you took the opportunity to explore the bustling paddock. The atmosphere was electric, with the sounds of engines revving and the smell of burning rubber filling the air.

You wandered from team to team, immersing yourself in the world of Formula 1, gaining a deeper appreciation for the dedication and precision that went into each race.

The atmosphere was electric, with teams frantically making last-minute adjustments to their cars and fans eagerly snapping photos of their favorite drivers.

As you explored, you couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The Miami Grand Prix was not only a crucial moment for Lando's racing career but also for your relationship.

"Y/N! Long time no see!" you heard from behind you, turning around to see who it was.

Standing before you was Alexandra Saint Mleux, the renowned fashion influencer and close friend of Lando. Her striking features, with piercing blue eyes and perfectly coiffed blonde hair, seemed to radiate confidence.

She was dressed impeccably, donning a tailored white pantsuit that accentuated her slender figure, paired with a bold statement necklace and stiletto heels, exuding an air of sophistication and glamour.

"Alexandra!" you exclaimed, a smile spreading across your face as you embraced your best friend in the paddock.

It had been far too long since you had seen each other, and you couldn't wait to catch up on all the latest news and gossip.

"How have you been?" Alexandra asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. You took a moment to gather your thoughts, eager to share the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed your life since the last time you had seen her.

"Oh, Alexandra, where do I even begin?" you replied, a mix of excitement and nervousness in your voice. "So much has happened since we last caught up. Lando, and I... it's all been a rollercoaster of emotions."

Alexandra was captivated by your journey and couldn't help but ask, "So, what's the deal with you and Lando? Are you two finally going to make it official?"

You take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Well, Alexandra, it's complicated," you say with a hint of uncertainty.

"Lando and I have been through so much together, and I care about him deeply. But there are still some things we need to figure out before we can make any official decisions."

Alexandra nodded understandingly, sensing the weight of your words. She quickly changed the topic, eager to distract you from the complexity of your relationship with Lando.

With a smile, she began sharing stories about her recent travels with Leo and Charles and the adventures they had together.

As you listened, the worries and uncertainties faded into the background, replaced by laughter and the warmth of friendship. . . .

"Y/N! Miss L/N!" A McLaren staff came out of nowhere, frantically looking for you. You turned towards them, a mix of surprise and curiosity in your eyes, wondering what could be so urgent that they interrupted your long-awaited reunion with Alexandra.

You turned towards the staff member, a sense of urgency creeping into your voice as you asked, "What's wrong? Is everything alright?"

"It's Lando,"

Startled, you turned to Alexandra and said, "I guess our catch-up will have to wait. Duty calls."

Alexandra nodded understandingly, giving you a quick hug before you followed the staff. "Take care, Y/N," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "I hope everything is alright with Lando."

"I hope so too," you replied, your heart pounding with worry. "I'll find out what's going on and let you know as soon as I can." With that, you hurried after the staff member, praying that whatever had happened to Lando wasn't as serious as it sounded.

As they walked, you asked the staff member, "What happened? Is Lando okay?"

"He won't get in his car," the staff member stated. "He said he needed to see you before he goes."

Your heart sank as you realized that you had let the time slip away. You knew how important it was to be there for Lando before he left, and now you were filled with regret for not keeping your promise. You quickened your pace, hoping that you would be able to reach him in time and make things right.

"Kid, she's not coming," Zac tried to convince him, "You'll see her after the race anyway,"

"But I can't race without seeing her," Lando insisted, his determination unwavering.

"But Lando," Zac pleaded, "this is your chance to prove yourself on the track. You've worked so hard for this opportunity."

Lando shook his head, determination in his eyes. "If she's not coming, then I'm not going," he said firmly, his mind made up.

"Wait, Lando!" you called out, catching up to him just in time. "I'm here, I'm sorry for being late. I couldn't bear the thought of you racing without seeing you first."

Lando's eyes softened as he looked at you. A mix of relief and love filled his expression. "I can't do this without you," he whispered, taking your hand in his.

As you stood there, hand in hand with Lando, you knew that the cameras were capturing this intimate moment between the two of you. But in that moment, you didn't care about the public scrutiny or the potential backlash.

All that mattered was being there for each other, supporting one another through the highs and lows.

The pressure of the race, the expectations, and the regrets of being late all faded away as you stood there, united and ready to face whatever challenges came your way.

"What's the problem?" you asked worriedly, ready to fight anyone for Lando.

"I need my good luck kiss," Lando said desperately, his eyes pleading with you.

"You're telling me that you won't go because you wanted a kiss from me?" you slapped his shoulder gently, your disbelief evident in your voice.

Lando grinned sheepishly, his determination momentarily wavering. "Well, yeah, I guess so," he admitted, his eyes searching yours for any sign of agreement.

Despite the urgency of the situation, you couldn't help but smile at his request. You leaned in and pressed your lips against his cheek, sending a wave of reassurance and love through his body.

"Good luck Lando," you said.

"Thanks, I'll win for you, okay," Lando replied, grinning, running over to his car and driving off at the start of the race.

As you watched him go, a mixture of nerves and excitement filled your heart, knowing that you would be cheering him on every step of the way, no matter what.

"I can't believe that he wasn't going to go without your 'good luck' kiss," you heard Zac say beside you, tired of Lando's behavior.

"I know, it's ridiculous," you replied, shaking your head in disbelief. "But that's just Lando being Lando. He's always had this superstition about needing a good luck kiss before a race. I guess I've just gotten used to it."

"At this point, you two should get together," Zac stated.

You chuckled and glanced at Zac, feeling a blush creep up on your cheeks. "Well, maybe it's about time we make it official," you replied, a hint of excitement in your voice.

Zac grinned and nodded approvingly, knowing that you and Lando were meant to be together.

You smiled at Zac's comment, realizing that there was truth in his words. It was clear that your bond with Lando went beyond superstitions and good luck kisses.

As you watched the race unfold, you couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, it was time to take your relationship to the next level. . . .

The Miami Grand Prix was a thrilling and intense race from start to finish. Lando showcased his exceptional driving skills, maneuvering through the challenging turns and maintaining a competitive edge.

He faced tough competition from other skilled drivers, each vying for the top spot. As the laps progressed, Lando's determination remained unwavering, his focus unwavering as he pushed the limits of his car.

Despite the challenges of intense competition and the demanding nature of the race track, Lando remained composed and strategic.

He skillfully navigated through tight turns, battled for position, and made split-second decisions to maintain his competitive edge. It was a true test of his abilities, but Lando's determination and skill shone through, propelling him closer to victory.

The crowd erupted in cheers as he made daring overtakes and showcased his racing prowess.

In the end, Lando emerged victorious, crossing the finish line with a triumphant smile on his face, proving once again that he was a force to be reckoned with in the world of racing.

You were on your feet as soon as he passed the chequered flag, your heart pounding with excitement. The roar of the crowd enveloped you as you joined in the celebration, cheering and clapping for Lando's incredible victory.

The moment was electric, filled with a sense of pride and joy that only intensified as you made your way to the podium to congratulate him on his well-deserved win.

Seeing his triumphant smile up close, you couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and joy, knowing that you were there to witness this unforgettable moment in Lando's racing career.

Tears of happiness streamed down your face as you witnessed the culmination of his hard work and dedication, knowing that this victory was not only a testament to his talent

"Let's go, you have a grand prix victory kiss to deliver," Zac said, coming out of nowhere to help you get through the crowd.

People already started to give space as soon as they saw you, having a knowing grin on their faces. It was clear that they recognized you as someone special, someone who was close to the victorious driver.

As you made your way through the crowd, their excitement and anticipation grew, and you could feel their admiration and respect for being part of Lando's inner circle.

The moment you reached where Lando was, the crowd erupted into cheers once again, celebrating not only Lando's victory but also your presence and support throughout his journey.

As you approached Lando, he was still tightly embracing his team, their faces beaming with pride and joy. You waited patiently, soaking in the atmosphere and reflecting on the incredible journey that led to this victorious moment.

The sight of their camaraderie and shared joy warmed your heart, as you knew that their teamwork and support had played a crucial role in Lando's success.

As the team staff pointed at you and yelled, "Aye there's your girlfriend mate!", you couldn't help but blush.

Lando immediately turned around, his eyes falling on you, the biggest grin on his face. He hurriedly made his way towards you, pushing through the crowd, and swept you up in a tight embrace.

"We did it" he whispered, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

"You did it, Lando. It was all you," you said, your voice filled with genuine admiration and pride.

"No, you were my motivation to win," he replied, his eyes flickering from your eyes to your lips.

You rolled your eyes playfully, slowly wrapping your arms around his neck. "Oh please, don't give me that cliché line," you teased, a mischievous smile dancing on your lips. "But I'm glad I could be there to support you. Congratulations, champ."

You pushed his head gently closer, feeling the electricity between you two intensify as your lips inched closer. The anticipation grew with each passing second, and the world seemed to fade away as you both leaned in, your breathing becoming shallow and quick.

Finally, your lips met in a gentle, tender kiss, savoring the moment of victory and shared love. The kiss started soft and sweet, but soon grew more passionate and intense, fueled by the adrenaline and emotions of the triumphant race.

The kiss started softly, a gentle exploration of each other's lips, but soon grew more intense, fueled by the passion and desire that had been building between you for so long.

The once gentle kisses turned into a hungry exchange, as your lips moved together in perfect sync, leaving no doubt about the depth of your love and longing for each other.

As your lips moved together in perfect sync, Lando's hands tightened their grip on your hips, pulling you closer to him.

The intensity of the kiss mirrored the intensity of the emotions coursing through both of you, solidifying the connection that had been growing between you for so long.

Your hands were tangling in his sweaty hair, the sensation only adding to the exhilaration of the moment. The soft strands slipped through your fingers as you deepened the kiss, losing yourself in the taste and feel of him.

Time seemed to stand still as you both surrendered to the passion, knowing that this victory was not just about the race, but about the love that had brought you together.

Reluctantly, you pulled away from the kiss, your heart still racing with desire. "As much as I would love to stay here with you, you have a podium to attend in just a few minutes," you reminded him with a playful smile, trying to catch your breath.

Lando pouted at your response but knew he had to leave. "You know where to meet me right?" he whispered, his eyes filled with longing and anticipation, as he reluctantly pulled away, knowing that the celebration would have to wait until later.

"Of course," you replied, your voice filled with the same longing and anticipation. "I'll meet you at our spot as soon as the podium ceremony is over."

He grinned mischievously, stealing one last kiss before reluctantly tearing himself away from you.

The taste of him lingered on your lips as he hurriedly made his way to the podium, leaving you breathless and longing for the moment when you could meet again at your special spot. . . .

As Lando made his way to the media section to be interviewed for his win, his mind couldn't help but wander back to you. Thoughts of your passionate kiss lingered in his thoughts.

He couldn't wait for the podium ceremony to be over so that he could reunite with you at your spot and continue where you had left off.

However, he then felt something on his lips and he snapped out of it, moving away from it - it was a staff cleaning his lips with a cloth.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm only cleaning the lipstick from your lips," The staff answered, confused of his actions. He always let them clean his face before an interview.

He thought of the lipstick you had on which was now on his lips.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Lando's mischievous mind. With a playful smirk, he leaned closer to the staff member and whispered, "Leave a little lipstick on, just to remind everyone who truly won today."

The staff member couldn't help but chuckle at Lando's mischievous request. Knowing that Lando was the race's victor and had a certain charm that couldn't be resisted, they nodded and left a hint of lipstick on his lips, complying with his playful demand.

As Lando headed to the media section, he couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence, knowing that he had left his mark not only on the race but also on the hearts of the fans.

As Lando approached the interviewer, he confidently took the microphone in his hand. The male interviewer greeted him with a smile, ready to delve into Lando's victorious race and capture his electrifying energy for the fans.

Interviewer asked politely, "Congratulations on your incredible win, Lando! How does it feel to come out on top today?"

"Thank you! It feels absolutely amazing. The race was intense, but I stayed focused and pushed myself to the limit. The car was performing exceptionally well, and my team did an outstanding job with the strategy." Lando replied with, "It's a fantastic feeling to see all the hard work pay off."

"You certainly had everyone on the edge of their seats! Can you walk us through that nail-biting overtaking maneuver in the final lap?"

"Oh, that was a heart-stopping moment for sure! I saw an opportunity to make a move, and I knew I had to seize it. The adrenaline was pumping, and I went for it." Lando explained.

"The car responded perfectly, and I managed to make the pass stick. It was a risky move, but it paid off, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome."

"I can't help but notice the lipstick stain on your lips," The interviewer commented on.

Lando chuckled, his mischievous charm shining through. "Ah, yes, a little souvenir from the victory celebration," he replied with a wink.

"Just a small reminder of the exhilaration and triumph of this race." The interviewer smiled, intrigued by Lando's playful nature, and continued with the interview.

The interviewer laughed, finding Lando's playful nature endearing. "Well, it certainly adds a unique touch to your victory," they replied. "Now, let's talk about the reaction from your fans. Social media is buzzing with excitement over your win. How does it feel to have such a dedicated and passionate fanbase supporting you?"

Lando's smile widened as he replied, "I am incredibly grateful for my fans. Their support means the world to me. It's humbling to know that my performance on the track resonates with so many people. I couldn't ask for better support."

"As you were about to pass the chequered flag, who or what were yout thinking of?"

"As I approached the chequered flag, my mind was filled with a mix of emotions and thoughts. Of course, my family and friends were on my mind, but Y/N was definitely the one who occupied my thoughts the most throughout the race. Her support and encouragement gave me that extra push to go for the win." Lando answered with a smile, his voice filled with affection and gratitude.

"Was your motivation to get your victory kiss?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Lando said, pointing at his face with a grin. "That victory kiss from Y/N was definitely a motivating factor. Knowing that I had her waiting at the finish line made me push even harder."

"Well, I'll let you go celebrate your win," the interviewer said, acknowledging Lando's eagerness to savor his victory. "But before you go, one last question: what does this win mean for you and your racing career?"

"This win means everything to me and my racing career. It's a validation of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that I've made to get to this point. It's a stepping stone towards achieving my ultimate goals and solidifying my place in the racing world."

As the camera stopped recording and the microphone was taken from him, the interviewer thanked Lando for his time and congratulated him once again on his impressive victory.

Lando ran over to the podium, a mixture of exhilaration and exhaustion coursing through his veins. As he reached for the trophy, a surge of pride washed over him.

This trophy symbolized not only his victory, but also the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and perseverance.

Lando held the trophy high above his head, basking in the cheers and applause from the crowd, knowing that this moment would forever be etched in his memory as one of his proudest achievements. . . .

As you sat in Lando's driver's room, waiting for him to finish with his interviews, you couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for his incredible achievement.

The way he spoke about you during the interview filled your heart with warmth, knowing that you were his biggest source of motivation and inspiration.

You couldn't wait to congratulate him in person and celebrate this momentous win together.

As you sat in Lando's driver's room, waiting for him to finish with his interviews, you couldn't help but remember the passionate kiss you shared before he had to leave for the race. Your finger grazed over your lips, still tingling from the lingering sensation.

Your hands were tangling in his sweaty hair, the sensation only adding to the exhilaration of the moment. The soft strands slipped through your fingers as you deepened the kiss, losing yourself in the taste and feel of him.

Your thoughts of the moment of the kiss were interrupted by the door opening and you quickly pulled your hand away from your lips, hoping no one had seen the intimate gesture.

It revealed a beaming Lando with the trophy in his hands. His eyes met yours, and a wide grin spread across his face as he rushed towards you, engulfing you in a tight embrace.

His head was buried into your neck, and you could feel his rapid heartbeat against your chest. The scent of victory and adrenaline filled the air as you held each other tightly, savoring the moment of triumph.

The world around you faded away, and in that embrace, you knew that you were not only celebrating his win, but also the deep bond and love that you shared.

"Can we continue what we stopped before?" Lando asked, his voice low and husky against your neck. You felt a shiver run down your spine as his words stirred up the same desire that had ignited between you earlier.

With a mischievous smile, you whispered back, "I think we can definitely make some time for that, especially after this incredible victory."

The anticipation in Lando's eyes mirrored your own as you both shared a knowing look, ready to relish in the passionate moments that awaited you.

Lando's hands were curling around your waist, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through your body. The warmth of his embrace enveloped you, and you couldn't help but melt into his strong arms.

In that moment, all you wanted was to lose yourself in his touch and continue where you left off, savoring every delicious second of the passion that awaited you both.

Your lips molded together in a perfect harmony, the softness of his contrasting with the passion in his kiss. The taste of him lingered on your tongue, a mixture of mint and desire.

As your fingers entwined in his hair, you reveled in the sensation of the sweat-soaked strands slipping through your grasp, adding to the intoxicating thrill of the moment. The world around you ceased to exist as you deepened the kiss, losing yourself in the electric connection that pulsed between you.

The pressure of his lips against yours sent a shiver down your spine, igniting a fire within you that could only be quenched by his touch. Your hearts beat in sync, the rhythm of desire pounding through your chests.

Time seemed to stand still as you surrendered to the taste, the feel, and the sheer intoxication of his kiss.

Every nerve ending in your body came alive, as if electrified by the raw passion that flowed between you.

Lando pulled back slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, trust me, baby," he said with a sly grin, "We're just getting started. I have plenty more in store for you tonight."

His teasing words sent a surge of anticipation through you, and you couldn't help but giggle in response.

"Is that so?" you countered, your voice dripping with flirtation. "Well, I can't wait to see what you have in mind. But first, let's celebrate this victory properly."

The air crackled with excitement as you both leaned in for another passionate kiss, ready to explore the depths of desire together. . . .

[yujo-nishimura]

Red Hair or Red Nose?

Comment: I haven't written anything like this in 20 years, so please be gentle with me and my attempt to be creative. ;) Buggy, Shanks x fem reader - I had the idea that the real reason for their rivalry was a love interest. This is rather fluffy and romantic, I tend to write SFW but I might continue adding some spice later.. ;)

Also don't hate me for the title <3

Warning: English is not my native language, I only write for the enjoyment, I have been a One Piece fan for 20 years, but not as dedicated as I am supposed to. ;)

It has been several years since you made the decision to part ways with the Red-Haired Pirates and embark on your own journey. The initial entertainment of the constant rivalry between Shanks and Buggy, which was funny at first, had gradually transformed into a farce that grew increasingly tiresome. As a young girl, you felt incapable of pledging your loyalty to either of these captains. Instead, you held your own vision of adventure and exploration on the Grand Line.

Having spent some years on Gold D. Roger's ship, you reached a point where you felt it was time to forge your own path. With a heavy heart, you bid farewell to your fellow crew members, leaving behind a profoundly saddened Shanks and a furious Buggy. You recognized that it was necessary to discover your true self and create some distance from those who sought to control and dictate your life.

However, deep down, you held onto the hope that someday you would cross paths with your childhood friends once more. You eagerly anticipated that, as they matured, Shanks and Buggy would overcome their rivalry and conflicts, transforming into an unbeatable duo, renowned as the most daring and fearless pirates on the Grand Line.

Little did you expect that fate would bring you together again, reuniting all three of you in one location. To your dismay, you discovered that nothing had changed in their immaturity and insatiable desire to outdo one another. The relentless competition and quarrels went on, defying your hopes for a more harmonious reunion.

Seated in a cozy pub within a small town, you found yourself taking a break while your modest crew of five ventured out to gather supplies for your journey. Beside you, the navigator quietly sipping his drink, engrossed in studying the surrounding islands' charts. With a sense of tranquility, you sipped on your third whiskey, relishing the calm that washed over you. The previous days at sea had been harsh and tiresome, and this brief intermission served as a well deserved break.

Reflecting upon your role as captain, you couldn't help but acknowledge the absence of a warning about the challenges and responsibilities that would accompany your departure from Gold D. Roger's crew. Sometimes you were just really tired and wished you had chosen a different path. Not being the one to everybody was relying on, but having someone to rely on yourself. Your crew loved you and was loyal, but you knew that it was not always easy to make the right decisions.

Amidst the silence, your thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a quarrel coming from outside. A distinct laughter, filled with warmth and familiarity, pierced through the peaceful atmosphere, contrasting against an enraged voice that screamed:

"What did you say? You were lying about the treasure map? Damn you!"

"It was a spur of the moment thing, Buggy!"

As the words reached your ears, a surge of disbelief washed over you, leaving you momentarily speechless. The voice, the name—it couldn't be true! In an instant, you rose from your seat, causing your navigator to stumble in surprise. "Captain...?" With determination across your face, you swung open the pub's door, your eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before you.

There they stood, the two individuals you hadn't laid eyes upon in years. Buggy the Clown, his face split by an angry grin, standing confidently at one end, his blue hair hidden under his hat. Shanks, the charismatic captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, standing at the other end, his trademark red hair shining in the moonlight.

As your gaze fixed upon the grown men before you, disbelief washed over you once more. Both Shanks and Buggy had transformed into striking individuals, tall and muscular. Shanks, draped in a dark cape, possessed an air of tranquility and composure that radiated from him and his charming smile. In contrast, Buggy's flamboyant attire, adorned with vibrant colors, accentuated his clown nose and his face adorned with flashy makeup. They were undeniably stunning.

A gulp escaped your throat as a peculiar sensation stirred within you, similar to fluttering butterflies or perhaps little caterpillars partying in your intestines. It might also just be the Whiskey. When had those two teenage boys blossomed into these charismatic pirate captains? And more importantly, when would they notice your presence, frozen in astonishment, between their encounter?

To be continued...

[kylieswift31]

Today was a fairytale funeral

“I have this dream my daughter in law kills me for the money. She thinks I left them in the will.”

I recently made a post about Cinderella and how the inner version of Taylor became exiled during the fearless era, and then a few hours later Taylor sang 'today was a fairytale' and 'exile' during the surprise song set on the eras tour. The combination of these two songs reveal the contrast between the dreams vs reality that Taylor faced as a young woman entering the music industry.

This is going to be another long really long post, but it's worth sticking around until the end...

The fairytale

Taylor's earlier albums heavily featured fairytale themes, especially within the fearless era. The song 'today was a fairytale' originally debuted on the valentines day movie Taylor Swift featured in, with Taylor Lautner playing her high school boyfriend. This movie follows the journey of several characters simultaneously, revealing the connections between them all along the way.

When 'today was a fairytale' was added to the fearless tour in 2010, it was the first of several songs performed in a black and silver cocktail dress. The visuals in the background depict a forest scene, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet sneaking away during 'love story'. Taylor also wears a very similar dress during the 'our song' music video as she's singing "I didn't kiss 'er and I should have".

Taylor also performed 'today was a fairytale' during the 2010 Grammys where Stevie Nicks joined her on stage. For this performance Taylor was wearing a blouse reminiscent of the Romeo look that’s seen on the cover of the fearless re-record. Notably, Eric Dane from Grey's anatomy played a famous football player for the valentines day movie. His character came out as gay during a press conference when many were anticipating his retirement. And at the end of the tour Taylor wore a patriots jersey for her performance of 'today was a fairytale' at the Gillette stadium.

Exiled

Following the incident with Kanye West interrupting her acceptance speech at the country music awards show, the speak now tour reveals subtle references to this negative experience and how it had affected Taylor going forward. The 'speak now' performance in particular features Taylor interrupting a wedding that’s taking place on stage as she proceeds to drag the groom into the crowd.

After losing him along the way, Taylor reaches a lone tree in the crowd. She begins singing 'fearless' on a ukulele with a brief cover of 'I'm yours' by Jason Mraz mixed in. "I won't hesitate no more." Taylor then transitions into playing 'last kiss' on the koi fish guitar. "When we say hello, and it's magical, we never imagine that hello could someday turn into a goodbye." The combination of all of these elements is a visual representation of the outer version of Taylor saying goodbye as the inner version of Taylor became exiled.

Fast forward to the release of fearless Taylor's version and we can start to see the evidence of this separation. The lyric video for 'today was a fairytale' is full of duplicated pictures of Taylor from the past, all with varying levels of saturation. This feels like an introduction to the layers of Taylor that have developed over time. The Taylor on the left represents the exiled inner Taylor who is hiding behind a mask. The Taylor on the right represents the outer version of Taylor that is acting as a facade to conceal the layers underneath, just like a set of nesting dolls. And the middle layers represent the different versions of Taylor that have been added over the years. No matter which layer you're looking at, it is acting as both a mask and a facade for the inner and outer layers on either side.

There are many versions of Taylor seen throughout her music videos. I began seeing them as a set of nesting dolls as a way to make sense of the many versions of Taylor we've seen over the years. And it was all inspired by The Truman Show. The director (director Taylor) created Truman as a true man (regular Taylor/Taylor ™), but he was acting like everyone else around him by wearing a mask (pop star Taylor) but they saw him as a character (giant Taylor). Truman lied to everyone around him to protect the inner version of himself underneath (inner Taylor). We all have differing opinions on who Taylor is underneath the pop star persona (straight, queer etc), but the secret to seeing the innermost layer of Taylor is to understand that the outermost version of Taylor exists too. Taylor has been directing herself in the sense that she's created her own layers, but keep in mind that she wouldn't be referencing Truman's story so heavily if there wasn't someone in her life playing this role too.

A cry for help

This was just supposed to be a brief post about the connection between the two surprise songs, but it felt like Taylor was leaning over my shoulder saying "you know this is about the Truman show too right?!" So if you haven't read this post about The Truman Show yet, I'd highly recommend you do so before proceeding.

It's no coincidence that Taylor has referenced Truman's story so much throughout her work because she relates to his story on a personal level. Truman kept talking about how he wanted to get out of town and travel to Fiji, each time forcing the director to retaliate by trying harder to make him stay in Seahaven and continue being the star of the show. Taylor's version of leaving town was leaving her old record label and her plans of going to Fiji was talking about wanting to come out as queer in a similar way.

The 'anti hero' music video is a direct reference to the scene after Truman's first attempt to escape. In hindsight, this attempt was set up to fail as a test run to find out what roadblocks could hinder his real plan to escape. Taylor left her old record label at this point, but her fight for her plans didn't stop there. The aesthetic of the lover era hinted at Taylor's big plans to come out at the time, but this was quickly sabotaged by the sale of her masters. Chronologically, this music video depicts the fallout from that experience.

Truman had slowly been drawing the viewers attention to the flaws and behaviour of the people around him. This gave the viewer a chance to pick up on the clues that he wasn't happy with living a life that had been scripted for him. His wife Meryl advertising a product while trying to offer to help him is seen as the final straw, but in hindsight Truman had known all along that this type of behaviour wasn't genuine. As Taylor cuts into her food, purple glitter begins to ooze out of the egg yolk. The way that the food is arranged as a smiley face feels like a metaphor for how delicate the facade is that Taylor has created to conceal the inner versions of herself. How someone looks on the outside doesn't always reflect how they feel on the inside. This is what Truman meant when he told the director that he couldn't see inside his head. Taylor is showing us that we only see the mask she's hiding behind and that the Easter eggs she's left along the way point to who she really is on the inside. We just need to view them through the context of the Truman show.

When Truman finally confronts Meryl she calls out for help even though no one else is around. It becomes clear that she is talking to the director who is in charge behind the scenes. Taylor appears to be scared as she tries to call for help, only to reveal that the cord had been cut. This suggests that the phone and house is part of a set and that the act of calling for help was just a visible way to show how Taylor feels on the inside.

Truman purposely escalated the situation with Meryl because it was a part of his plan to encourage her to leave. He couldn't progress to the next stage with her watching over him. Taylor also appeared to be scared because she was confronted with the ghosts of her past self. They follow her around the house, but the ghosts in the mirror imply that they've been there the whole time. Taylor's just drawing our attention to them now because she knows what will happen next. Both Taylor and Truman are wanting us to see the director's role in their lives because their actions have always had the same consequences.

To calm Truman down, his best friend Marlon is sent in to intervene. He walks in carrying a six pack of beer, his usual excuse to show up unannounced. When Taylor™ (the Truman version of Taylor) reaches the front door, she opens it to find the pop star version of herself. This appears to indicate that she has answered the call, but we can infer from Truman's situation that it's actually the director attempting to remediate the situation.

When Truman and Marlon get together, Marlon is subtly guiding Truman to follow the script the director has laid out. And at the same time, Truman is subtly revealing what he needs help with on the outside for his big escape plan. As the two versions of Taylor begin taking shots together Taylor™ becomes more in sync with pop star Taylor over time. This means Taylor™ is being guided, just like Truman was.

Dead inside

As we see giant Taylor for the first time she had interrupted a dinner party and the scene feels similar to when Truman tried to leave town on the bus. Truman was again drawing our attention to how strangely everyone has always reacted in his presence. In this case, the dinner party guests reacting to the giant Taylor could be a reference to her level of fame or her queerness. Either way, her size implies that she's the elephant in the room. An archer shoots her with an arrow and this shows that the giant Taylor bleeds purple glitter, just like the egg did. She attempts to drink from a bottle of wine but discovers it had run out. This is a reference to Alice in Wonderland drinking to shrink in size and suggests that the giant Taylor just wanted a chance to fit in.

Truman and Marlon found a way to communicate with each other very subtly in plain sight, to the point that it's undetectable unless you're looking for it. The pop star Taylor is doing the same thing, but in a way that makes it seem like she's teaching Taylor ™ bad habits. Taylor™ takes notes as pop star Taylor explains the rules she needs to follow to keep up the facade that is concealing the inner versions of Taylor underneath. This feels like a true man bootcamp.

Taylor™ eventually throws up some of the purple glitter, implying that this outcome was a part of their plan. This reminds me of the phrase that suggests to 'chew the meat and spit out the bones'. It has a biblical background to encourage discernment, but in this situation pop star Taylor is showing Taylor™ how to read between the lines in order to see the helpful advice she is sharing.

The old Taylor is dead

From the director's perspective, Truman was trying to escape because he had found out that his father was still alive. So to prevent Truman from leaving he reunites them. Marlon guides Truman to follow the script as they're reunited. This feels like the end of Truman's story as it cuts to the director's point of view behind the scenes but we eventually learn that Truman had been working towards a bigger plan the whole time. Pretending to go back to normal was a part of the plan to lull the director into a false sense of security, allowing Truman to leave when he least expected it.

A similar scene plays out as Taylor™ and pop star Taylor are reunited with the giant Taylor. With the added context of Truman's story, this now seems to be an attempt to placate them too. If we know that the pop star Taylor was subtly teaching Taylor™, we can begin to see the signs that they were both working towards a bigger plan. All we have to do to understand their motive is to read between the lines.

If you open up a nesting doll and put it back together again without the inner layers, you're essentially creating a horcrux. This is what happened when Taylor lost access to her masters and what the many versions of Taylor represent. Slowly over time she's been rescuing each layer piece by piece. And once they're all reunited Taylor will become complete again.

The koi fish guitar and the purple glitter are a clear reference to the speak now era, and the purple colour is often associated with queer women. These connections point towards the giant Taylor being associated with the speak now era. The director allowed them to reunite with the giant Taylor because she was the lesser of two evils for the director to choose from. The aesthetic of the lover era and the music videos that went with it appear to be a compromise intended to prevent Taylor from going after her bigger plan.

I mentioned earlier that the inner version of Taylor became exiled during the speak now tour. In hindsight, the red version of Taylor then became a decoy to draw our attention away from the speak now era so that we didn't realise that she was left behind. "'Cause you never gave a warning sign. (I gave so many signs) So many signs, so many signs. You didn't even see the signs." The tree where Taylor was exiled is featured on the cover of the book in the 'all too well' short film and the only lingering evidence of her existence is the red scarf.

The bigger plan Taylor™ and pop star Taylor were working towards was hinted at with the koi fish guitars. Pop star Taylor was smashing her guitar, drawing our attention to the speak now connection. This distracted us from the second koi fish guitar Taylor™ was holding onto, concealing their bigger plan hidden in plain sight. And it's all linked to the koi fish. In the 'lavender haze' music video, Taylor pushes down the walls of the bedroom to reveal that the house was all a facade. She then proceeds to go to sleep on a cloud while surrounded by koi fish as they swim by. This is a reference to the phrase 'sleeping with the fishes', a term used to imply a dead body had been dumped in the ocean. This suggests that Taylor™ and pop star Taylor are working together to rescue this version of Taylor. And how do we know which version is still missing? Taylor showed us with the midnight mayhem with me videos when she paired track 1 with 'lavender haze'. This implies that Debut Taylor is the original version of Taylor who is dead sleeping with the fishes.

The funeral

"And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake?"

Looking back we can see that Taylor Nation has been going live to draw our attention to the 'I don't wanna live forever' surprise songs, but more specifically the difference between live vs live. And just like Truman, Taylor™ doesn't want to be live forever, hence the funeral. Taylor's direct references to The Truman Show deviate with the funeral scene, but the main characters do correspond to Truman's family to draw our attention to their intentions. This means that Kimber is Truman's wife, Preston is Truman's mother and Chad is Truman's best friend. I've been going back and forth trying to decide if they could represent Taylor's family or herself, but ultimately I believe it's about fans. As the funeral starts, Kimber is using a selfie stick to fix up her lipstick. "Once you fix your face I'm going in". This action feels like the funeral is a big performance for her rather than a somber occasion.

Next, Preston gets up to read out the will. Kimber and Preston both sound distraught when they discover that Taylor left everything to her cats and all that's left for them is 13 cents each, but the delay in Chad's reaction suggests that he's not surprised but is playing along to keep up appearances. The 13 cents is a reference to Taylor's favourite number and a cent is typically a penny, but it’s also a unit of measure in music. I'm not familiar with US currency, but many versions of the penny seem to feature a shield. The inscription on them reads 'e pluribus unum' which translates to 'out of many, one'. This motto represents a union formed by many states. This implies that there is a maximum of thirteen versions of Taylor, and that once limit is reached they will reunite again as one.

As they continue to argue over the will, Chad and Preston point out that Kimber is wearing Taylor's dress from the fearless tour. She gets upset over this, claiming that "we were very, very close and I miss her!" Knowing that her character is referencing Truman's wife Meryl, this emotional outburst now feels contrived as if she's putting on a show.

The fight escalates when it's pointed out that Chad is recording the funeral for his podcast 'life comes at you swiftly'. This suggests that he's using the recording for ulterior purposes. The argument turns into a fight as Chad accuses Kimber of killing Taylor. "Kimber was the last one with her. She didn't fall off that balcony, she was pushed!" This implies that Chad knows more than he's letting on and is purposely escalating the situation to create a rift between them all.

If the cents represent a new era of Taylor, midnights being the 10th era suggests that they have almost run out. Therefore Kimber, Preston and Chad's disagreement and outrage is a genuine reaction to how little time they have left, not the money. While everyone is distracted, Taylor gets out of the coffin but no one notices because they're too busy fighting amongst themselves. This version of Taylor is wearing a teal and green shirt, colours associated with the debut version of Taylor. But if we've already established that the original version of Taylor is in the lavender haze, does this mean that debut Taylor is the original Taylor™?

Just like Truman learnt at a young age that he needed to fit in and follow the script like everyone else, Taylor did too. "When you are young, they assume you know nothing". If Truman was the 'true man', the more accurate description for Taylor would be the 'good girl'. All her life that's who she was expected to be so that's who she tried to be. Underneath that outer layer, is another layer, and another layer and so on of Taylor's attempts to be a 'good girl'. Each layer of nesting dolls may look identical or completely unique to the next, but in the end there's only one left that's not hollow at it's core. This is the innermost version of Taylor.

"Changed plans and lovers and outfits and rules.

All to outrun my desertion of you."

If Taylor learnt to conceal her inner self before debut, then each layer since then has been her attempt to replace the part of herself that was left behind. This suggests that reuniting all thirteen layers of Taylor was the bigger plan she was working towards all along.

The will to live

"But who got the beach house?"

"She's having it turned into a f*cking cat sanctuary!"

Taylor didn't leave her children very much in the will, but she did request that the beach house be turned into a cat sanctuary. It's common knowledge that a cat typically has nine lives, but knowing Taylor her cats would have 13 lives instead.

To tie it all back to the 'today was a fairytale' connection that started all of this, the thirteen versions of Taylor are woven together in the same way the multiple storylines of the characters in the valentines day movie tell a bigger story together. They each have a story to tell individually, but together their lives weave together to create a patchwork of who they are as a whole. Each version of Taylor is connected through the invisible string, and Taylor has left subtle clues throughout her career to guide us along the way.

Speaking of subtle clues, is there really a secret encoded message hidden in the funeral scene?

There is if you read between the lines!

Chad points at the picture of Taylor with her cats after he asked about secret encoded messages. Taylor overhears this and pokes her head out of the coffin before anxiously glancing at the picture of herself to make sure no one had picked up on her secret encoded message. These subtle actions link the picture that's just out of view at the same time to what they were talking about it. I know that this picture of Taylor with her cats is not new information, but I do think we have failed to uncover the significance of it.

To understand this picture we first have to consider Truman's motivations to leave Seahaven. If Marlon was guiding Truman to aid his escape, the director was using Meryl to prevent Truman from leaving. And the next step in his plan was for Meryl to conceive, give birth and replicate Truman's life in the spotlight. The idea of being responsible for another person living the life he had is what motivated Truman to finally leave.

Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun had initially told Taylor that they would only permit her to use her older music or video footage within the first year after she left her old record label if she agreed to their terms. This included but was not limited to saying:

"If I agree to not re-record copycat versions of my songs"

This clause went against everything Taylor had ever wanted: to own her own work. Embracing the queer side of herself was a big part of Taylor's journey initially, but creating change for everyone following in her footsteps is her greatest plan above all else.

"You look like Taylor Swift™ in this light. We're loving it."

The long pond studio sessions begins with Taylor talking about how she had created a studio in her home called kitty committee studios while in lockdown. As it comes to an end, Taylor and Jack are talking about how her cats are often fighting in the background while she was recording.

"If I was to close the door on them, they would meow, so they need to be free range cats. Cage free."

Benjamin Button is Taylor's third cat, the one she received during the 'Me!' music video from Brendon Urie. This moment is monumental as it signifies Taylor owning her first album. The significance of this suggests that Taylor was never planning on coming out during the lover era, it had always been about wanting to have access to her catalogue.

"Hey kids, spelling is fun!"

There is no I in team, but "you can't spell cats without TS!"

What's the time Mr Wolf?

Truman's director was concealed within the moon structure he created in the sky of the dome above Seahaven. At the end of the 'karma' music video Taylor and Ice Spice both lasso the moon and saturn with gold and silver thread. This implies that there are two seperate directors influencing her actions from behind the scenes and that her plan involves stopping them, and not leaving her career.

"And you poke that bear 'til her claws come out and you find something to wrap your noose around."

We need to keep in mind that Taylor's references to the Truman show throughout her music videos are a way for her to leave breadcrumbs without leaving a trace. The purpose of this is to avoid directly naming names. And just like Truman, the whole point of the story was to slowly expose us to the director's role in her life. I keep referring back to Truman's story in the same way because there's so much of Taylor's personal life that we'll never be privy to, but ignoring the role of the director means that we're completely missing the truth sprinkled in amongst the lies throughout her discography.

"'Cause for every lie I tell them, they tell me three."

Taylor left many clues in the 'midnights mayhem with me'. But the biggest clue of all was hidden in the title. MMWM. For every truth Taylor has woven into her songs, she's covered it up with three lies. In a previous post I pointed out how Taylor had used the McDonalds slogan to troll everyone by linking her truth with the most recognised symbol of all, the M logo. "We're loving it." And it all stems from her favourite number 13. Believing that Taylor is singing about a Woman or Man depends on what side of the street you're standing on (and if you're looking up at her or looking down at her). If the 3 represents women, the 1 represents the fine line or tightrope that Taylor has had to walk as she added whispers of her truth in plain sight.

"Lost your balance on a tightrope. It's never too late to get it back."

The significance of Taylor's cats doesn't stop with her catalogue. I'll leave it up to your imagination to discover how Taylor has been using the word to troll the directors, but on a more serious note we need to take a closer look at the meaning behind "Karma is a (copy)cat". When Taylor was told that she couldn't create copycat versions of her work she followed that direction meticulously. But just not in the way you think.

"But the story isn't mine anymore."

Taylor didn't rerecord her albums, she just retold the story.

Losing the rights to her own history is why Taylor didn't hesitate leaving everything behind when she left her old label. Instead, she started telling her story in her own way. And lover was the beginning of retelling her-story from debut. Folklore is retelling the story of Taylor™. Evermore is retelling the story of the princess that became frozen in time from speak now. Midnights is adding context to her-story from red. TTPD is the reality of her time in 1989. And there is no TS12 because there will be no explanation. TS12 is the inner Taylor, Taylor Swift. Who Taylor is at 12am is the same Taylor that started at 12pm.

'e pluribus unum'

"Midnights become my afternoons"

But wait, there's more!

There are more layers to the clock than just the twelve numbers.

If the eras are the chapters of Taylor's story, the midnights track list is the manifest. This is the role Taylor played as her own director, or in other words the mastermind. The manifest is her evidence explaining why she created Taylor™. Each track lines up with the ending of an era, starting with the inner Taylor lost in the lavender haze. Debut is in exploring new love with maroon. Fearless is paving the way for Taylor™ as the anti hero. Speak now is exiled as Taylor™ in the snow globe/fish bowl with snow on the beach. Red is leaving the old Taylor behind with you're on your own kid. 1989 is in the getaway car with midnight rain. Reputation is dreaming of purple skies and galaxies with Question...? Lover is playing with fire in vigilante shit. Folklore is reflecting on the diamonds frozen in time with bejewelled. Evermore is preparing to cross the line with labyrinth. Midnights is weaving the invisible string with karma. And TTPD is providing the evidence of how the inner Taylor became exiled.

The next layer reveals the four quadrants, just like the midnights vinyls. These reveal the fantasy vs reality of Taylor's history. "One for the money, two for the show". If we look closely we can see the evidence that the two directors are scripting both Taylor's career and her love life. This is in the form of limiting her music and forcing her into PR based relationships. The first quadrant reveals the dream Taylor had of owning her own music. The second reveals how convincing PR relationships can be. The third quadrant reveals Taylor's plans to reclaim her life's work and history. And the forth quadrant reveals Taylor's current fight to experience a love life without outside influence.

"And I hope it's shitty in the black dog"

"Karma is a cat purring in my lap because he loves me"

Truman spent his life feeling trapped in his hometown as he kept the truest parts of himself hidden. So much of Taylor's music videos point to feeling the same way. On the outside she is projecting the good girl version of herself, but underneath she feels abandoned. And both are in pain because they have been exiled from each other.

Many of Taylor's albums are full of fantasy because that's the life she's created for herself to maintain the facade and the man wall is the remnants of her dreams. The only layers that depict Taylor's reality are the albums that correspond with her real cats in the picture from the funeral scene. During the lover era, Taylor assigned a cats movie character to each of her albums. The big cat in her lap is Benjamin Button. He represents Taylor's future with debut and lover. Meredith Grey is tucked in underneath. She represents the life of Taylor™ as speak now and evermore. And Olivia Benson is behind her. She represents Taylor's history with 1989 and TTPD.

The 'fortnight' music video was a stark contrast with the asylum feel compared to the rest of her discography because that was our peek behind the magician's curtain. It reveals that the deeper meaning behind the tortured poets department is that both halves of Taylor are being tortured. To understand the severity of this, we have to envision the clock as a globe. The equator becomes the fine line the inner and outer version of Taylor is walking along. Taylor™ is in the glass display box performing for the world to see. Meanwhile, inner Taylor is buried and exiled underground. The men in Taylor's music videos frequently represent the other half of herself. In reality, they are orbiting each other but never allowed to touch.

Taylor's end game is to break down the facade of Taylor™, remove the mask to expose her inner self and reunite the two halves of herself once more. After all, it's delicate.

The tortured poets department is called that because Taylor isn't the only tortured poet. So many artists and celebrities from the past have been tortured in some way. Taylor's not the only one that's breaking down their facade and this is what all of the willow orbs represent. It takes someone with enough power and attention to be able to create lasting change, and Taylor's the one that's going to change everything. In 'look what you made me do' Taylor is sitting at the children's table teaching them all of her bad habits. But we have to keep in mind that this is the pop star/anti hero version of Taylor.And her partner in crime is none other than Jack Antonoff. They've been sharing Taylor's tricks with the next generation of artists to prevent them falling into the same trap that Taylor did.

They're creating copycats of Taylor.

"Karma is a cat"

"Every bait and switch was a work of art"

"Karma is a cat purring in my lap because he loves me."

A tortured poet,

Kylie x

P.S. What's in the briefcase Taylor?

P.P.S. I know who the real muse is too hehe

[wetcatspellcaster]

I had to pause like three times to take a walk around the room, trying not to scream. Damnit, Astarion. Rose deserves so much better. I want to hug her, and make her tea, or anything stronger of her choice, and damn. The first half was so playful and hot, and oof. And the next... I completely understand Rose's desire to protect Astarion at any cost, since she probably studied enough to know how power corrupts, and this is unprecedented. Her pleas broke my heart all over again.

But I'm siding with Astarion on WHAT WAS SHE THINKING GOING INTO VAMPIRE DEN ALONE???? Love, and fear, makes people very silly. I adored her selfish motivation because the whole time I was reading AHL I wanted her to ask something for herself. She certainly earned it, and she deserved it. I hate, but understand completely, why she only asked for comfort when she had been hurt.

Also, the parallels! The FUCKING PARALLELS! Oooh, I'm shaking in my boots at all the things you sneaked in.

And fuck Threnn. Not in a fun way. Sincerely.

It had been a journey, this chapter. I'm horrified at what will happen next.

Good luck with your writing! Hope it will go as smoothly for you as possible. The next chapters will be so rough, I'll have to buy another pack of tissues, I can feel it.

thank you for your comment beloved!!

idk if I should be spoiling, or making explicit, but Rosalie's time with Orin accelerated tadpole growth -> more fearlessness. This is the first stupid decision, that I am lampshading, as a stupid decision... and that's the reason for it. Not that it isn't something she would do (she absolutely would, and it's her moral compass, and I'm not making excuses for it, and I'm not personally averse to the 'I see the benefits of leaving astarion behind when he's gunning for ascension, and you don't know you're in a videogame and will get extra dialogue' camp).... but to go alone???? that's some unhinged and tadpoled behaviour, ma'am.

but good for us, bc it averts the pieces timeline i guess x

again, I am laughing that what I think is one of my sexiest scenes yet ends in travesty. all I want is feedback on my 'smut' (spice? pg-13 makeouts?) and then I continue to bookend it with trauma and so get no comments about it!! and it's all my fucking fault!! I'm a moron!!!!

[baek-at-it-again95]

Walk The Plank (K.HJ x fem reader)

Chapter 9: Hongjoong’s Dream

You had grown up hearing tales about the infamous pirate crew ATEEZ—the fearless, power-hungry men that roamed the seas in search of the most valuable treasure they could lay their hands on. You almost didn’t believe the stories your mother had told you as a child...not until you wound up on their ship  

Warnings for this chapter: Weapons, blood, injury, self-inflicted injury, cursing, (omg it sounds so bad to write it out dsjhbfjf)

A/N: Finally!! School is going to be rough this week, but I can’t stop writing this instead of studying lol. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Previous: Chapter 8, Masterlist

Chapter 9: Hongjoong’s Dream

The group becomes impatient as the journey drags on.

"Where is it?" Wooyoung whines.

"We should be at the cavern riiiight...now," Hongjoong says, scratching his head. He looks up and down from his map as if a cavern will suddenly appear in front of him. San moves over to take a look at the map for himself and Wooyoung follows close behind.

Jongho furrows his eyebrows—one of his habits that you adore. "Where do you think—AH!" Your eyes widen as he takes a step forward and falls...through the ground?

"Jongho!" you exclaim, rushing over to where he had just been. You look down to the ground to discover some sort of a tunnel...like a slide. "Jongho?" you shout again, kneeling by the opening.

"I'm alright! Come down here!" You hear him shout, his voice echoing. You give a look of confusion to the seven other men who have gathered around you. "He says to go down there with him," you relay. Hongjoong kneels next to you.

"Ladies first." You nod, accepting his outstretched hand for him to guide you and lower you into the tunnel. It is made of cold, uneven stone, and is big enough for someone quite a bit taller than you to be able to duck down into. It's a bit deeper than you expected and it descends at an angle after the initial drop. When you exit the tunnel, you find yourself in a very large cavern, where Jongho immediately runs over to help you. As you look up to assure him that you're alright, your eyes meet the huge waterfall that runs down the back left of the cavern. 

There are small places in the ceiling of the cavern where sunlight breaks through, reflecting onto the water and illuminating the dark space just enough. Mosses and plants you have never seen before grow only in the places that the direct slivers of light can reach.

"A waterfall!" You gasp. "I just knew it would be here!" The smile you receive from Jongho is so precious that you just wish it could last forever. Only a moment later, San exits the tunnel. 

"Well would ya look at that," he marvels, taking in the high ceilings as he brushes his clothes off.

"Oof!" Wooyoung runs into the back of San's broad shoulders, giggling. "Woah!" He reacts just as San did moments ago, brushing off his clothing and craning his neck around to look at the cavern. The others appear closely after one another, dispersing and observing their surroundings.

"Look over here!" Mingi's deep voice rumbles, echoing. You gather around to see a series of pictures on the smooth stone of the wall that Mingi stands before. They almost look like the hieroglyphs you had learned about as a child while reading your father's studies.

There are three scenes on the wall. The first has figures that gather around some kind of circular object. A shadow is cast over the object and a single person in front of it. "That is where the eternal sunshine does not reach," you mumble, brushing your fingers delicately over the painting. A stream of red falls from the person and onto the object. 

Hongjoong stands next to you, eyes moving to the second picture. You breathe a sigh of relief after counting the same number of figures in the first and second picture. "The Cromer." Hongjoong places a black painted finger to the simple painted hourglass. It appears to be in the hands of the figure with the red coming from them. "A blood sacrifice."

Upon further inspection, the third part is not a picture, but a verse that you had heard recited by your father years ago. 

A Sacrifice of He With Utmost Trust

A Simple Task of None

One for All

All for One

From the End of the Beginning

To the Beginning of the End

Prove Yourself Willing.

Wooyoung clicks his tongue. "Well, now we know where Mingi got the sacrifice idea." 

"The place where the figure is standing is not reached by the sunlight that slips through the roof of the cavern," you note. You look around the large, dim area and try to match up where that space would be. 

"A sacrifice of trust," Jongho repeats to himself. "Must we choose who we trust the most?" 

"I was thinking of that," Yunho replies. "What else would it be asking?" After exchanging these words, all heads turn to Captain Kim Hongjoong. Your stomach turns at the thought of something happening to him. Him, who you had grown very fond of. Fond of all of the men around you, actually. You decide that you would not handle it well if they were harmed. You quickly reach out for Hongjoong's good hand, grip tightening around his wrist. He gives you a smile that makes your heart flutter, even in your state of worry.

"Nothing will happen to me, love. I will be right here, hm?" He adjusts your grip, now holding your hand and bringing it to his lips to place a gentle kiss. You feel as if you could fly, his gesture giving you much needed assurance. In return, you manage to give him a small bow, slightly dazed by his actions. 

Hongjoong and Seonghwa then take the lead, each with a cutlass at the ready to protect their crew. You draw farther into the center of the cavern. "There." Mingi points to a circular piece of stone that rises slightly from the ground, near the stone wall to your right. It is untouched by any sliver of sunlight. 

Hongjoong makes his way to the raised stone, crouching down to brush his fingers against it. 

"Well then..." Yeosang pulls the diamond dagger that you had discovered earlier from his belt, reaching for Hongjoong's hand. "Let's make this quick." The captain inhales sharply before Yeosang pushes the dagger into his palm, drawing dark red liquid. His face twitches but he remains collected. You and the seven men surrounding him are eerily quiet, watching his every action without so much as a breath. 

Hongjoong slowly places his bloodied hand on the circular stone below, staining it crimson.

You listen.

You look.

But nothing happens.

"Did we not understand the directions?" Wooyoung hisses. 

"It can't be...how else could we interpret them?" Seonghwa frowns. Jongho speaks up, albeit timidly.

"What if the captain is not the person we need?"

Hongjoong raises an eyebrow at the youngest. "What do you reckon?"

"Well..." Jongho shifts his weight between his feet. "I trust Y/N."

"M-me?" You stammer, not expecting his words in the slightest. The captain glances over Jongho with his one eye, expression unreadable.

"Very well. I trust her, too," he says finally. Although it's heartwarming that they trust you, you're not sure if it's you that will be able to retrieve the Cromer. You only met them just recently. Maybe you had interpreted the riddles wrong, like Wooyoung said. 

"Me as well." Yeosang joins. He lowers himself onto his knee in front of you, bowing in respect. 

Before you know it, all eight of them have lowered themselves to a knee around you.

"Okay." You take a shaky breath as you close your eyes and hold out your palm to Yeosang. You wince at the initial pain of the dagger, but it quickly dulls. And so, you place your hand onto the stone.

The ground feels as if it's shaking for a moment and Hongjoong reaches out to steady you. A stone identical to the one beneath your palm rises to the surface in the plunge basin. Then, another one appears closer to the waterfall. And another. "Stepping stones," Mingi observes.

One more rumble of the cavern and the stream of the waterfall parts, revealing a small object that glistens as it catches a string of light. 

"Y/N, you did it!" Wooyoung exclaims.

"Not yet," San warns, keeping a hold on Wooyoung before he can begin to run around. Hongjoong pulls you up by your forearm and looks you in your eyes.

"You can do this, Y/N."

"On my own?" you whisper. 

"Yes, darling. We will be right here. You are the one that must obtain the Cromer." Nodding, you walk your way to the edge of the body of water. In any other circumstance, you would be avoiding water in a strange foreign cavern that bears a magical item. Obviously. However, everyone is trusting you; everyone is counting on you. Hongjoong is counting on you. In such a short amount of time on your journey together, you are afraid you have fallen for him. You admire how he takes care of his crew, how he is driven, and how he will obtain whatever he desires no matter what. He is cunning, respectful, and beautiful. It makes your knees weak just thinking about him. Not to mention his friends. The seven men that you have made a connection with have your entire heart. So, in this circumstance, you will do what you can for them.

You leap onto the closest steppingstone, relieved when you land on it with perfect balance. When you leap to the second, Mingi takes position at the first stone. "I'll be here, okay?"

"Okay." One more jump and you're already halfway to the Cromer. You're not sure if your legs are shaky or if the stone beneath you is a bit wobbly. Maybe you can make it all in one go. Without hesitation, you jump to the fourth stone and immediately to the next, and the next. You've made it. Where the water parts in front of you, a golden hourglass is placed on a pedestal made of smooth stone. It's almost unreal to see it before you after only seeing drawings of it in your father's books. The mist from the waterfall is cool as it tickles your face. You blink the droplets away to observe the shiny object of desire before snatching it swiftly. The pedestal that it had been placed on makes a low rumbling noise as it starts to lower into the ground.

You do not want to be here to find out what will happen after. 

"Good work Y/N, come back quickly!" Seonghwa shouts from the far end of the plunge basin. You listen to his words, quickly jumping across the first three stones like you had before, the Cromer locked in a tight grip at your chest. As you leap to the fourth, the ground begins to shake again. You to lose balance and one of your legs dips into the water before you catch yourself. It stings, but now is not the time to focus on it. You push yourself up, jumping to the second to last stone. Now it feels as if the entire cavern is shaking...like it's going to collapse. Pieces of stone from above start to fall into the water around you, small at first. You know it won't be long before the whole ceiling caves in.

"Shit, Y/N," Mingi says, still standing on the first stone. "Your leg." You look down to see blood streaming down your leg, and only now do you realize you had scraped it on the side of the stone when it plunged into the water. 

"I'm alright," you breathe, more worried about escaping the crumbling cavern. 

"Quick, come here." You hesitate, worried about not having enough room to land your jump. "I got you," he assures. As soon as your foot touches the steppingstone, he grabs you, steadying your frame against his. When you're safe next to him, he picks you up with one arm under your knees and the other supporting your back. "Trust me, okay?" The stone of the cavern seems to groan, getting louder as the ground shakes again. 

"Okay." Mingi looks to Yunho, who stands in front of you at the edge of the water. Just seconds after, you're thrown towards him. You let out a yelp before landing safely in Yunho's big arms. You keep the Cromer clutched to your chest for dear life.

"Everyone out!" Hongjoong demands, standing back as the others run for the tunnel you had entered. Yunho keeps you in his arms until you reach the tunnel, setting you down gently. You wobble as you adjust to the shaking ground and he grips your arm to steady you. Jongho appears on your other side and takes your free arm. 

"After you, pirate queen." He gives you his gummy smile and you smile back at him as he guides you up the tunnel, urgently but carefully. He makes sure you stay steady on your leg that has the injury of unknown severity. The scrape hadn't felt that deep—but the boys did not want to take any chances.

At the entrance of the tunnel, Jongho pulls himself onto the grass above before reaching down to help you out. It takes everything in you not to fall to the ground in relief once you're outside. 

One after another, the seven others exit the crumbling cavern, with Hongjoong being the last to appear. His hook digs into the ground surrounding the tunnel as he pulls himself out. "Everyone move, we must make sure we are far enough away from here." 

You're eager to rest, so you listen to his words. You all start towards the south shore of the island, walking far enough until Seonghwa determines that you are out of harm's way. 

"Now can we celebrate?" Wooyoung sighs, sitting down and propping his back against a tree.

"Not yet. Make sure Y/N and Mingi are alright," Seonghwa scolds. You look over to Mingi, unaware of anything that had happened behind you.

"I will be fine. Just a bruise," Mingi sighs, tapping his arm. A piece of rock of a decent size must have hit him on the way out. Seonghwa looks to you.

"Y/N?"

"I am alright," you reply, crouching down to examine your leg. The scrape is not too deep, and the blood is nearly dry. "It is superficial." You smile, holding up the Cromer in your hand. "And I am even better because we have this!" 

"We did it!" San laughs, pulling you into a hug. 

Yeosang groans. "Thank the heavens. I thought we might be searching for something that doesn't even exist." 

"You doubt your captain?" Wooyoung teases.

"No. But without Y/N, who knows where we would be right now." You give Yeosang a shy smile, bowing respectfully. Hongjoong makes his way over to you and you readily hand him the magical artifact. He takes it with his hook, holding it through one of the bars that frames the hourglass at the center. With his right hand, he takes your hand in his, placing another kiss to it.

"Thank you, Y/N. You have our utmost respect and gratitude." You give him a polite curtsy. "And on behalf of all of us,"

 he adds, "I would like you to join our crew. ATEEZ could use a skilled pirate like you." Hongjoong's words fill you with excitement. You don't even have to think about your answer.

"I would be honored!" You exclaim. "This adventure has meant everything to me. I would love to join your crew if you'll have me, Captain."

He gives you a nod, a pretty smile on his face. "Come, then! Let us make it back to the ship before dusk." Hongjoong and Seonghwa take their place in front of you all and start to lead you back to the ship. Jongho takes his place at your side again. "We are honored to have you, pirate queen."

Nothing can hold back the smile that appears on your face. In fact, your cheeks start to ache from doing so.

"That I am." You pause. "A pirate."

>>chapter 10

[jazzpostsrandomthings]

Journey Retold: The Three Grand Companies

<< Previous Entry

Woops! A full month has passed since I last wrote for this series, my bad. Was busy with exams (aced the last one yesterday) and witnessing my friend go through Shadowbringers for the first time. I have a lot more free time now so I can finally continue Journey Retold!

There will be a preamble of sorts next, feel free to skip around until you see a text written in purple.

One of my friends told me that I should shorten the names of the players when I am inserting their messages into these posts. His suggestion was to shorten "The player of the self-proclaimed Emo Catboy" to "Emo Catboy" for example and he has a point, but I am not going to. I wanted to switch to a format of "The player of [WoL Full Name]" actually, but I had to make a choice against it out of my respect for the privacy of my dear first friend I've made through the game upon their own request so I am not going to do the switch because otherwise they would stand out like a sore thumb.

Another reason why I don't want to shorten the names like this is that... I feel like it's important to point out that there is a real person behind each of these characters. I find it one of the coolest and most magical things about FFXIV and MMO genre as a whole, and for an extravert like me who only goes outside for studies it just holds a lot of weight. Not all interactions with these player characters and people behind them themselves might be pleasant, it's a double-edged sword all multiplayer games and social medias even have to deal with, but an overwhelming majority of these interactions have brought me joy and laughs and it all just feels more real than just interacting with someone over Discord DMs and such.

The issue of the player names being too long in these posts during the messaging segments is real so from now on I will shorten it to "TPo [simple character description]", like "TPo Emo Catboy" or "TPo stern Auri man". That should do it.

...

OK, where did we stop last time? Ah, right, Ifrit.

Pi had slayed a monstrocity from the deep depths of hell yaaaaaaay.

I picked the msq back up the next day, judging from the screenshots' date. The word of Pi's conquest over the Lord of Inferno had spread quickly, like a wildfire, and the officers of the three Grand Companies had arrived to the Waking Sands, wanting to have Ifrit's bane to themselves. I was hit with a choice between these three Grand Companies, i.e. Limsa Lominsa's Maelstrom, Gridania's Order of Twin Adders and Ul'dah's Immortal Flames. And I wanted to join Maelstrom right away because I like Merl-- I mean, I like Limsa and I am the most familiar with it, but I was open to seeing what can other two city-states offer and thus I had set for Ul'dah first.

Raubahn entered the scene, as well as a cute lalafell woman wearing a weird dress that honestly makes her look like a bowling pin when she stands, I am sorry. That lalafell, Nanamo Ul Namo, is the sultana of Ul'dah by the way and it was my first time seeing her.

Their combined speech was very strong, talking about their glory and wealth (both in monetary fortune as well as the spiritual) and how they laid low the VIIth Imperial Legion five years ago.

For Victory and Fortune, stride fearless into the inferno, for we are by fire reborn!

Some young and kinda familiar gentleman had something to say about that last line:

So that's how it happened. How soon history forgets.

The speech was met with a round of applause and cheering, and like I've said before, the speech itself was very strong, I actually started to think that maybe Flames can win me over. Then the twins (or rather one of them) decide to speak to me to explain some things that were kinda glossed over in the grand speech, mentioning the refugee problem and their relationship with Amalj'aa that keep summoning Ifrit and costing many soldiers' their lives.

Next up was Gridania. The speech was mainly presented by Kan-E but her brother and sister (and also another seedseer) were also present, even if they didn't say anything.

The Elder Seedseer's speech was about peace and harmony. She talked about uniting Eorzea to fight the Empire and to protect the place that have been their home for almost five centuries.

And together, let us heal the forest's wounds, that our progeny might live in harmony beneath these ancient boughs. For serenity, purity, and sanctity!

I liked the speech as well, but it wasn't as memorable and strong as Raubahn's and I felt like this would be the Grand Company Pi would most likely side with canonically since he is mostly pacifistic and he wishes for the fighting to stop so there could be peace. Alphinaud chimed in again, mentioning how Gridania has to deal with two beast tribes, Ixal and sylphs, and how all the fighting they do is in self-defense. He also mentioned that their lands have been hurt the most by the Calamity which only complicated things for them and soon their bickering with the beast tribes can turn into an all-out war which is why they might need more people to deal with it when the time comes.

Now, all that remained was Limsa Lominsa.

Merlwyb's speech was about freedom, how their nation was fighting for it for seven centuries since they came to La Noscea and how they would like to keep their freedom until their very last breath.

And with the guidance of the Navigator, this great vessel of ours shall ride the waves till sea swallows all!

Alphinaud spoke to Pi once more, mentioning that Lominsans have a lot of blood feuds betweens the factions that comprise the city-state, not to mention the two beast tribes, kobold and Sahagin that both want to take the place for themselves and are planning on summoning their respective Primals to help them with that. All that made them quite an easy target for Garleans which is why they would be needing more men soon, "drenching the Maelstrom standard a deeper shade of crimson ere long".

Freedom is also something that Pi as a character have been craving for because of his passion for travel and exploring, but he wasn't the person to kill somebody for it... but I didn't want to disappoint Merlwyb so I ended up choosing Maelstrom in the end. Sorry Kan-E and Raubahn ;w;

Next up we see Alphinaud and his twin sister Alisaie talk about the speeches between themselves. The sister says how those remembrance ceremonies (because yes, these speeches were dedicated for those celebrations) didn't talk much about the Calamity and were mostly about "standart-waving rallies" while the brother remarks how they didn't even mention the Warriors of Light, as if they chose to omit their deeds in saving their realm in order to move on from the Calamity. Alisaie did not agree that was a right choice.

She couldn't stand it all and chose to find a different way "to cute ails of this world", the twins going their own separate ways. For now, at least.

And then it was the time to get my chocobo.

Say hello to Eorzean Axl by the name of Gingerhead. I made him into Pi's horsebird lol.

Then I did the next msq quest which was Sylph Management which allowed me to unlock Summoner and Scholar. I went on to do... Summoner one before continuing the main story.

"Huh? But didn't you choose Arcanist to then unlock a Healer job?" Yes, I did, but I realized that I actually have a Healer anxiety and that I probably won't play as a Healer much anyway, plus beating MSQ as a Healer will be pain so YUP, I chose violence.

First chain of SMN quests was OK. Kinda cool, but not memorable. Even thought our quest companion was Y'shtola's sister.

And to conclude this entry, have this hilarious screenshot.

We will be dealing with sylphs next.

[samuel-de-champagne-problems]

Kindle Unlimited Book Recommendations

Picking Peaches by Ansley B Calloway

Sexual Content Level: 1/5 (not closed door, but not graphic)

Page Count: 208

Days It Took Me: 2 days

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Picking Peaches is a lovely, wholesome romance featuring former pro athlete and current single dad, Ashton Reid, paired with quiet, reserved relationship blog writer Georgia Mitchell. Total beach read, this book is rather simple. You’ll love this if all you want is something sweet without a lot of character growth. Not all romantic comedies can be EmHen books so don’t go in with expectations of a beautifully crafted emotional journey that parallels an equally epic romance. Georgia and Ashton’s romance is more Fearless and Speak Now than the complex, understated romances Emily Henry pens that are more akin to Folklore and Midnights. Luckily, our love interests have the emotional bandwidth for healthy communication. There’s no third act breakup or miscommunication. Just a dose of a rather precocious child, a cat with a proclivity to run away, and two neighbors who, miraculously, spilt a pack of condoms that aren’t put to use till much later.

Behind The Net by Stephanie Archer

Sexual Content Level: 4/5 (several sexual scenes that span many pages, focus on female pleasure during sex)

Page Count: 408

Days It Took Me: 1

Star Rating: 3.75/5

Review: I’ll admit it….a good hockey romance is my guilty pleasure. Now there’s nothing to be embarrassed about guilty pleasures. They don’t set out to be Pulitzer Prize winners. They are often smutty, featuring equally well endowed and emotionally mature men, and the overlooked girl who’s actually a knockout. Behind the Net is no exception. Jamie and Pippa, former high school classmates reunite unexpectedly when Pippa takes a job as young NHL player, Jamie’s assistant. Both Jamie and Pippa feel a strong connection, or so the author claims they do. Perhaps the biggest critique of this novel is that Pippa and Jamie’s connection is simply told to the reader rather than shown. However, the sexual scenes are well written and plentiful to make up for the lack of plot. Again, books like Behind the Net don’t set out to be groundbreaking literature. They are supposed to be fun and a little ridiculous. Books like this let girls who weren’t noticed in high school have that fantasy of being loved by the cutest boy.

Ranger by Rebecca Sharp

Sexual Content Level: 3/5 (virgin hero/experienced heroine, several sexual scenes that extend multiple pages)

Pages: 344

Days It Took Me To Read: 2

Star Rating: 5/5

Review: I stumbled across Ranger on tik tok. The author self described the main male character as being inspired by Spencer Reid. Ranger and Spencer share several similarities, including their love of sweater vests, their sweet dispositions and even sweeter sweet tooth. Ranger, along with his bothers, own and run private security operation. When Sydney is in need of help her temporary landlord Ranger is eager to step up to the challenge even if that means marrying her. Their marriage of convenience grows into something very real and very strong somewhere along the line. While Sydney grows and finds herself all over again, the real growth lies with Ranger. He discovers that he can not only give love, but is worthy of receiving it. Rebecca Sharp’s dedication describes it the best however.

[herroyalbubbliness]

I posted 70 times in 2022

That's 18 more posts than 2021!

67 posts created (96%)

3 posts reblogged (4%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@hertzwritings

@creationcrystalized

@jcthesmooth

I tagged 67 of my posts in 2022

Only 4% of my posts had no tags

#interview with the vampire - 11 posts

#bbc killing eve - 11 posts

#lestat de lioncourt - 10 posts

#louis de pointe du lac - 10 posts

#killing eve - 10 posts

#sam reid - 9 posts

#jacob anderson - 9 posts

#jam reiderson - 9 posts

#villanelle - 9 posts

#killing eve season 4 - 9 posts

Longest Tag: 33 characters

#everything everywhere all at once

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Jam Reiderson

See the full post

52 notes - Posted November 11, 2022

#4

Kim Bodnia

Video Credit: IG @witchernetflix

Kim Bodnia embodies his characters so perfectly in such a natural way from Konstantin in Killing Eve to Vesemir in The Witcher. I had been so hesitant to watch The Witcher because of the monsters as I'm such a scaredy-cat, but as soon as I saw that he was cast as Vesemir, I knew I had to suck it up and dive straight into this world. He just has that fatherly charm and amazing chemistry with his costars that is oh so perfect and the way he looks at and speaks so highly of them (Jodie Comer/Villanelle and Freya/Ciri) both onscreen and offscreen in interviews like a proud father just always warms my heart so much. You'll start wondering if he is their father in real life, so beautiful. I can tell the acting is from his experience as a father in real life, too good. He has such a beautiful and rich sense of humor and his energy is always such a vibe. I've been waiting for an interview of him with Henry Cavill/Geralt and I can't wait to see these two beautiful men in an interview. Also, I can't wait to see him once more as Konstantin in Killing Eve's final season!!!

See the full post

53 notes - Posted January 29, 2022

#3

Absolutely One Of My Favourite Interviews of Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer!!!

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaSD1tJpEva/?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaSRTh5u4qf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I've always loved and adored Josh Horowitz's interviews. He has a way of getting the actors to relax and have fun. And his thoughtful and insightful questions always have a refreshing spin on them. This was so much fun and refreshing to watch. I laughed so much and their energy was so contagious. I love love love Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer soooo much!!!

Edit: I envisaged it might get deleted on YouTube due to copyright claims and I just got a message that it did. I've attached two links to the full video on Instagram and the patreon link to join.

61 notes - Posted February 22, 2022

#2

P-Valley

I miss the valley already...

Video Credit: IG @pvalleystarz

Autumn was looking at Andre and his wife like she was about to kill someone with the lyrics.

Andre and his wife have both been wearing masks long before the pandemic. Andre was selling a lie, a fantasy he thought she wanted and she wanted to believe it instead of unveiling the man behind. Why did Andre wait all these years before being honest about his reasons for marrying his wife?

I loved the scene with Lil Murda in the fragmented glass and removing his gold teeth. It was an unveiling of his mask. We see the different men that make up Lil' Murda, the scared, the fearless, the famous, the one looking for validation and more. And he can choose which one to present at any given time.

And the variations of his memories flashing through his mind from his pride when he came to the Pynk to the first time he heard his song being played there and his entire journey to where he was now performing in the Pynk.

I remember when Keyshawn was helping him with overcoming his stage fright and told him to try performing nude and he was uncomfortable initially in season 1 episode 7.

"The same way you strip yourself naked on that track, you gotta strip yourself naked on the stage. See the crowd, that's who you are rapping to — now tell em' what you got to say."

But now, look who was performing shirtless and could look into the eyes of his audience saying the lyrics with confidence, no beat in the background. I love that scene because it really shows how he has evolved from the insecure rapper who wanted his beats to be good enough and now that they're slapping, he could just let the lyrics sink in even though that was also a testament of what he did and a threat to whom it may concern (Maine) in the audience.

And the whole scene came full circle with a collabo of the Mercedes Experience (the last show) and Lil' Murda when you remember their initial meeting of her disapproval to his bars to their reflection last episode and bringing that collaboration to life. They sure is fire!

The moment the beat dropped and Mercedes jumped down the pole straight to sitting and bouncing on the floor, damn!

I loved The Mayor Bishop Woodbine reveal. The way the scenes were edited, the montages from the performance at the club to Mayor Woodbine in some serious prayer sessions to Andre Watkins recieving a call from Wayne Kyle saying congratulations making it seem Andre won until we hear the reporter asking if he has heard from the Mayor Elect.

When Mayor Bishop Woodbine was doing environment inspection of the mayor's office and fell off the chair I was dying laughing.

I also loved the reveal of the Corbin deal with the front page news of the waterfront property deal coming to fruition. Corbin sure brought the water to him literally after all, he followed Uncle Clifford's advice. Uncle Clifford I see what you did there boo!

Keyshawn and Lil Murda hugging with the sunset lighting up their beautiful black skin under the clear blue skies. They've been through so much together. I wish she could have made it out. There was no investigation whatsoever. What happened to due process? So neighbors report a noise and automatically it's the black mom that's the abuser? Sigh... Derrick's got to go!

Someone needed to call out Autumn on all her shit. While she didn't force anyone to catch a body, still it was like she completely absolved herself and blamed them. Talking about interest after all them bodies, okay just one body but still.

I understand she ain't trusting, and she has a lot of trauma she is working through. I got where she was coming from business wise in regards to selling the club but as Uncle Clifford said, they was family and Pynk was home. I wish they could have come to a compromise though because I care about her character. You know what they say, hurting people hurt others. And say what you will, she made and took practical steps to help Keyshawn

Mayor Bishop finally did one thing right, handing Terricka over to Mercedes. It was fitting to see Mercedes finally in her gym and her baby with Sam Cooke Bring it on home to me. It was a breath of fresh air. Freedom at last! Old dreams were fulfilled and birthed the opportunity to dream new dreams.

Uncle Clifford letting Mercedes go reminds me of this quote.

"A good mentor hopes you will move on. A great mentor knows you will."- Ted Lasso

Sadly, in this finale, some people got their dreams and some didn't.

64 notes - Posted August 17, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

MINE

Family...

Photo Credit: IG @netflixgeeked

Goes back to what I always say, family by blood is overrated. Whoever is putting in the work, loving, caring about one is who I call family blood related or not. Ciri's father is trash. Yennefer's stepfather was trash. Geralt's mother, trash too. We don't know a lot about Jaskier's background but he has found a family too, they all have.

One thing I love about Geralt and Yennefer is they have this weird kind of trust but at the same time are fully aware of what the other is capable of. I call them the perfect ying-yang. They are not blinded by love. Their dynamic is one I enjoy and I'm particularly invested in.

The way Yennefer's face lights up at the unicorn scene as she says I'm a beacon of purity, really warmed my heart. It was like the world stood still for a moment. Her smile was soft, genuine, innocent, so bright it could light up a room, immaculately beautiful, and that split second of sheer joy and happiness, that comes from deep within before the guilt of what she was about to do crept right back. It was one of those moments you forget all the troubles you have been in and the ones about to come.

When Ciri asked Yennefer about Geralt and she goes on about longing, regret, hope, and fear, and Ciri is just like so you love him too.

Lilac and Gooseberries

Yennefer: How is this possible

Geralt: I don't care

When Geralt addressed her as dear friend, I laughed so much. And then he had the nerve to call Istredd her other dear friend, it was hilarious.

I think I got a bit of shyness as he introduced Yennefer to Ciri which was cute because Geralt is anything but shy.

It also reminded me of a scene in Killing Eve when Konstantin (also played by Kim Bodnia) was hitting the blender, saying all old friends together, sarcastically of course! Haha!

I loved how Ciri and Yennefer were introduced to each other, I think it was just perfect in explaining who exactly she was and what she meant to Geralt without words said.

Of course, she cared about her power. In such a violent world, there is no convenient time to lose one's powers at all.

I think it was interesting to see Yennefer try to cope without her powers not just in survival, but also in what it meant to her essence. And in the final moment as she slashed her wrists, even if she had died, she would have been satisfied because she had finally filled the void of a child with Ciri.

Yennefer is loyal to herself and the people she loves and that's what I love most about her. She understands the dynamics in the sense of how the different authorities are only out to use one until they are not of use anymore.

"Betrayal doesn't depend on how or how much you love someone. It depends on the magnitude of the dilemma before you."- Berlin in Money Heist

I do not condone Yennefer's intentions to sacrifice Ciri but I understood it.

Yennefer struggles with the feeling of not being enough which stems from her childhood trauma, abuse. Someone also pointed out the parallel between slashing her wrists in season one and season two and that broke my heart.

Four marks

I dreamed of becoming important to someone someday.

This is a woman who had given up on legacy, the hope of having a baby, life in the finale of season one. And even said if she died, that will be okay as she had lived multiple lifetimes to which Tissaia said her power could be her legacy.

Except she didn't die, and the one thing she had, chaos, which she described as her sight and a life force that makes one feel alive was gone too.

See the full post

115 notes - Posted January 7, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[mykingdommusic]

ETERNAL WHITE TREES debut album "The Summer That Will Not Come" will be released on April 21, 2023 and for sure it is a mandatory listening for you who have your musical background in the most melancholic dynamics of Metal and Post Rock of KATATONIA, SWALLOW THE SUN and NOVEMBRE. Let's know the protagonists of this work, starting from Gerassimos Evangelou, already LORD AGHEROS' mind, soul and body who is here the singer behind ETERNAL WHITE TREES' decadent, nostalgic and beautifully painful universe.

1.   Give us a short presentation of ETERNAL WHITE TREES and let us know more about the choice of this suggestive moniker.

The Eternal White Trees are 3 friends who, outside of their personal musical projects, get together as kids on the weekend to put their experiences, grown over the years, into music. Between a glass of wine, a laugh and a melody born on the keys of a guitar or a piano, they decide to bring this creature to life. The comparison of these three figures with immortal trees is a must. Resistant and fearless to the changing of the seasons, over the days, over the years, always there, always together.

2.   ETERNAL WHITE TREES represent a new name in the Italian Metal scene but the three members of the bands are part of the scene since a long time. What did you push to give shape and soul to this new creature?

Everything was born naturally, without any pretense. The more time passed, the more we realized that the composed material was the offspring of every single personal, musical and life experience and that, united with those of the other members, it took shape in a completely spontaneous way, without forcing. An indissoluble bond even in music, a unique empathy and feeling.

3.   How are ETERNAL WHITE TREES different from the previous projects where you are involved?

If we talk about musical styles, we notice that the lack, or almost so, of a singing in screaming, blastbeat and convulsive riffs that can lead you back to some musical stereotypes is completely absent. But that melancholy and devastating vein is always present, softened by clear singing and double voices to create even more effect. Putting feelings and emotions into music is something that characterizes us individually in our personal projects, if you combine them, imagine what comes out.

4.   What does it represent to you personally?

Doing what we do, without forcing it, completely spontaneously and naturally, without anyone prevailing over the other but rather putting each one's own ideas is something unique nowadays. The fact that you get to make it happen with your closest friends, both in music and in life is priceless.

5.   The sound of ETERNAL WHITE TREES can be represented like a bridge between old school of Gothic Metal (Novembre, October Tide) and actual vision of Post Dark Rock (Katatonia, Swallow The Sun). In which way these bands have been part of your musical pantheon?

Personally, Katatonia is a band that has accompanied me a lot over the decades, with its style changes, certainly not easy listening, but among all those mentioned, I can safely say that they have an important place in the tracklist of my emotions.

6.   "The Summer That Will Not Come" is the title of your debut album. Can you describe it in a few words?

It's a mental journey that I took during one of our sessions, I imagined an expanse of snow and trees everywhere, covered with snow, but in this cold context there was always the warmth of a fireplace in your home, where you lacked nothing. Where any harbinger of spring was all but extinguished, so what would it be like to prepare for all of this? If you compare it to everyday life, you will notice that change is almost an expectation, an obligation, losing the beauty of the moment, the moment that will never come back.

7.   Behind ETERNAL WHILE TREES: - 5 favorite bands: Katatonia, Soen, Empyrium, Ulver, Agalloch - 5 essentials albums: Katatonia "Dead End Kings"; Ulver "The Assassination of Julius Caesar"; Empyrium "Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays"; Archive "Lights"; Aphrodite’s Child "666" - 3 essentials movies: "Interstellar", "Lord of the Rings Trilogy", "The Gladiator" - the song you wish you had written: "Interstellar" theme!

[idolskpop]

EXO Suho to Star in His First Historical Drama as a Crown Prince

EXO Suho is set to make his historical drama debut as a crown prince who gets kidnapped by his bride-to-be. The idol-actor has confirmed his role in the upcoming MBN drama “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” (working title), a romantic comedy with a twist of suspense.

What is “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” About?

“The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” is a historical drama that revolves around the traditional Joseon era marriage practice of “bossam”, which means stealing a bride or groom away by wrapping them up in a blanket and carrying them out of their homes in the middle of the night.

(Photo : Twitter / X) The drama will follow the story of a crown prince who is kidnapped by a woman who is supposed to be his wife. However, instead of being a submissive bride, she turns out to be a bossy and fearless woman who makes the crown prince do whatever she wants. The two end up on a runaway journey, where they face various dangers and enemies, but also develop feelings for each other. The drama is written by Kim Ji Soo and Park Chul, who also penned the hit drama “Bossam: Steal the Fate”, which starred Jung Woo and SNSD Yuri. The drama broke the record for the highest viewership ratings in MBN history, reaching 9.6 percent.

Who is EXO’s Suho Playing in the Drama?

EXO’s Suho will play the role of the crown prince, who is described as a handsome and intelligent man who has a gentle and warm personality. He is the heir to the throne, but he has no interest in politics or power. He prefers to enjoy his life as a free-spirited artist, who loves painting and music.

(Photo : JTBC) EXO Suho However, his peaceful life is turned upside down when he is kidnapped by a woman on his wedding night. He soon realizes that she is not his intended bride, but someone else who has a hidden agenda. He tries to escape from her, but he finds himself drawn to her adventurous and courageous spirit. This will be Suho’s first historical drama role since his debut as an actor. He has previously starred in dramas such as “The Universe’s Star”, “Rich Man”, and “Behind Your Touch”. He is also expected to make a cameo appearance in the second season of “Arthdal Chronicles”.

When Will the Drama Air and Where Can You Watch It?

“The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” is scheduled to air in the first half of 2024 on MBN, a cable channel in South Korea. There is no official confirmation yet on whether the drama will be available on any streaming platforms outside Korea.

(Photo : JTBC) EXO Suho However, you can watch Suho’s previous dramas on Netflix, such as “Behind Your Touch” and “The Universe’s Star”. You can also catch him on EXO’s variety show “EXO’s Travel the World on a Ladder in Geoje & Tongyeong” on Viki.

(Photo : JTBC) EXO Suho

Netizens Saying About EXO Suho’s New Drama

Netizens have expressed their excitement and support for Suho’s new drama, especially since it will be his first historical drama role. Some of the comments are: - “I’m so happy for Suho! He deserves this opportunity to show his acting skills in a historical drama. I’m sure he will do well as a crown prince.” - “Suho is perfect for this role! He has the looks, the charisma, and the talent to pull off a historical character. I can’t wait to see him in hanbok!” - “This sounds like an interesting and fun drama. I love historical rom-coms, and I think Suho and his co-star will have great chemistry. I hope they will have a lot of cute and funny scenes together.” - “I’m so proud of Suho for taking on new challenges as an actor. He has improved so much over the years, and I’m sure he will impress us with his performance in this drama.” - “I’m looking forward to this drama! Suho is one of my favorite actors, and I think he will suit this genre very well. He has a versatile and expressive acting style that can convey different emotions.” Subscribe to IDOLS KPOP for exclusive updates and captivating content. Read the full article

[focusgroupentertainment]

Chioke Dmachi, the pop sensation with a knack for taking his audience on thrilling musical adventures,

Behind the scenes, Chioke's rise to fame wasn't all glitz and glamour. While he's had his fair share of commercials, TV shows, and films, the real turning point came when the phone suddenly stopped ringing. Auditions dried up, and his agent even dropped him. It was a moment of reckoning, where Chioke had to confront the hard truth: something wasn't working anymore.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, Chioke took a bold step. He embarked on a journey of self-discovery, asking himself the tough questions: Who am I? What do I want? And why? It was a transformative period where he shed the image of the actor waiting to be cast and decided to define himself. And boy, did it pay off!

With a newfound sense of purpose, Chioke delved into his passion for music. He began crafting electrifying pop tracks that defy expectations. Just listen to "Rain," and you'll be taken on a sonic rollercoaster that leaves you craving more.

But Chioke's talent extends beyond the studio. He's a force to be reckoned with on the stage as well. From starring in the Terrence McNally play "Corpus Christi" to captivating audiences in the MTV show "Duets," Chioke's magnetic presence leaves a lasting impression.

And let's not forget his foray into the world of fashion. Chioke has graced the runways as a sought-after model, representing renowned brands like Target, Unionbay, and many others. With his striking looks and undeniable charm, he effortlessly struts his way into the hearts of both fashion enthusiasts and music lovers.

But Chioke's journey isn't just about fame and success. It's also about embracing personal truths and spreading love. Through his honest and raw work, like his short film "BY the Way," he breaks barriers and sends a powerful message: love is love, no matter who you are or whom you choose to love.

When it comes to his musical influences, Chioke draws inspiration from the icons of pop. He looks up to the daring spirits of Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet, Bowie, Beyoncé, and Missy Elliott, who have paved the way for him to create his own unique style and sound. Their audacity encourages Chioke to obliterate the rules and make music that resonates with his individuality.

As he envisions his future, Chioke sees himself conquering the music industry with a sold-out world tour that takes him to breathtaking stages around the globe. He dreams of holding prestigious awards like Grammys in his hands, proof of his undeniable talent and dedication.

With his infectious energy and undeniable talent, Chioke is set to make waves in the music world. So keep an eye out for this rising star as he continues to dazzle us with his music, captivate us with his performances, and inspire us with his fearless authenticity. Chioke Dmachi is a force to be reckoned with, and his journey is just getting started.

[thcdoomed]

From one spectacular high to the deepest low she can go, the fury and frenzy of minutes ago leaves her a mess now. Bloodied and battered and tears threatening to streak her face even further. That they even saw the first cracks in the facade the night she changed was bad enough, that they see the full fractures now... fractures like she feels now. That same familiar pang, of pushing through barriers and seeing the depths of another's mind. Her hand reaches up and grips her head, but she can't stop the assault of the things she's seen, the horrors of her past, and the terror of the present. And she can't hide how she sees herself now, another monster that Demasc has made. Teeth grit, blood still staining the crevices between them.

The scenes of Winter Dale's sundering, fire and blood and screams all mix into one horrific vision that she's reliving, that she's relived many nights when the Dream Guardian wasn't invading her mind. All those horrors ripped from her and put on horrific display.

And just as quickly the connection is severed, and though her condition has stolen even her breath, she gasps deeply, red eyes shooting wide open and those tears finally spilling over. Gale knows, just as Karlach learned that night, the horrors she endured first-hand. She's not the fearless leader she's led them to believe, she's terrified. "If I indulge it, I become what I so hate." Even then, though, the hand at her side feels soothing, the pain from the wound growing less intense with every passing second. If only such a cure exists for her heart. What does she deserve his patience for when she had nearly tried to kill him moments before? Slowly, she falls to her knees, legs giving way under the emotional strain of trying to hold herself together for the others when her world is crumbling around her. Her eyes betray her in every way, the fear and heartache wears plain as day in their shimmer as she finally looks at him again. Damned Gale, always with such perfectly chosen words, telling her what she should be hearing even if she doesn't feel she deserves it. "I don't know what I am anymore..."

Red eyes scan the group behind him, trying to read their expressions through the tears and strain, but they are as quiet as a funeral. Blurred expressions and solemn stances and little more. The rosy fruity aroma suddenly drowns out the blood and brings her attention back to the kindly wizard. Every time she wishes to interject his words halt her. She had shown him the kindness he deserved, and his wounds hadn't gone unnoticed when she patched him up, like her, he suffered in silence, keeping his pains to himself. They are alike in that regard. "C-careful wizard, you'll invoke the gods with that talk." It almost got a laugh out of her, but a cautious smile comes forth instead. "I'm just a simple hunter, as I've always said." One bloodied hand reaches out to hold to his robe, the other resting over his hand over her wound. "Help me up, friend... I grow tired of this place." His vow to remind her makes the cautious smile a little less reserved. Hell is inside her tonight, it may be for some time, but she doesn't doubt the friendships she's made since this journey started.

It pains him to see this. She's losing herself. She's sinking into shadows and she can't well breathe. Gale watches her flounder, those fringes of terror written plain and stark. Her heart crashes like tempest, pulsing through those tendrils of their ill-gotten worms, and it terrifies and frightens as it spills into his senses... Her heart-pounding terror now become his own. She believes herself a danger. He can taste the sharp of blood. And she, a hunter, knows best her creatures, and by arrows and steel and the run of a blade, it's solely death and ruin that will stem their thirsts...

He hears the sundering of windpipes.

And he sees her friends. "Ah--"

And he smells him, his rotting, and hears his heart.

Everything! Everything is blisteringly magnified. It's like the world, a pale swath of grey, takes on colors and sounds he's seldom once known. Gale severs the connection, shutting his eyes tightly to the nauseating feedback. Yet, to the heart of the matter, he'd felt a familiar grief--a horror that, too, had twisted his dreams... They're both liabilities. (His orb gives a laugh.) "We all have a hunger, and yet, few would understand the feeling of willfully ignoring it," he reminds, gaze so blindingly patient. His touch is soothing, its usual warmth like an evening in the sunshine or a nap beside a hearth. "I don't need to tell you what you've done, but I would be remiss were I to allow you to think yourself what you are very clearly not. You have compassion. I had felt your very heart echo. Don't make the mistake of believing you're no different from them. I have seen you, and nothing's further from the truth." Relax. Breathe. He offers himself, his own life, and his own flesh and blood transfers her way, thatching her wound through clever spell. The group behind them is silent, the smell of massacre and blood swimming with the earthiness of forest. Yet, Gale aims to narrow her attention, and canting his head, he brings the fragrance of persimmons. His palm, his hand, still cradles her. "You have fought to have me by your side when you'd have every reason to cast me away. Most would struggle to show me the kindness you've consistently afforded me. Speak nothing of monsters, Dronia. You've above even mortals--and I believe I'd know about that." Smile. Oh, please do, hunter. "If ever you forget yourself, know that I'm there to remind you. You will not bury anymore friends today. Come. I think we've ought to get ourselves cleaned up."

[sophierequests]

heyy!! maybe something angsty/fluffy with Tamar?? hope you have a great day

falling apart without you

Navigation┃Main Masterlist┃Request

Pairing: Tamar Kir-Bataar x f!Reader

A/N: Tamar, my wife <333 This is my first Tamar fic and I am so happy that somebody requested it! I love her sm. Thank you for the request and have a great day too! Also, I used that Khergud attack scene from King of Scars and changed it, so there will be timeline inconsistencies.

Summary: Tamar isn't afraid of anything. But what if the people she actually cares about get hurt?

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Word Count: 2.5K

Warnings: Blood, wounds, bullets, death

“Scared?” the sudden appearance of Tamar’s voice right behind you startled you a bit.

You didn’t turn around, eyes still fixed on the menacing darkness that seemed to be a hundred miles away, yet so close. From where you stood, you had a more or less pleasant view of the looming Fold draped over a vast desolate mass of land. Just the thought of having to cross it again made your stomach drop. Behind you stood the cathedral of Adena, its glorious golden domes striking a huge contrast to whatever was expecting you out on the void of the Unsea. Your party was standing close to the entrance of the church, slowly preparing to return to where you were supposed to stay the night. Even though you had nothing to be afraid of yet, you couldn’t stifle the uneasy feeling settling on your shoulders

And apparently, Tamar seemed to notice your beginning anxiety, as she had quietly split up from the rest of the group to talk to you. She was one of your closest friends since you had joined Sturmhond’s crew, and remained in her position after you decided to join Nikolai in his advance against the Darkling. When Nikolai announced that you would be joining his little travel party to Adena, Tamar was more than against that, but she was just as aware that there was nothing she could do to keep you away - safe. You thought it to be almost endearing how she cared for your well-being, however, she didn’t quite like your readiness to get into dangerous situations like these.

What you didn’t know was, that under her supposed platonic worry lingered a different emotion. You had stopped being just a friend to her a long time ago, but she pushed these thoughts away. Love in the middle of a war is a fool’s game, and Tamar wasn’t willing to risk it.

“A little.” you broke the silence, turning your head only slightly to look at her - now standing next to you, “You?”

There was no actual need to ask that question. You knew her answer already. Tamar was never scared. Not of anyone or anything. It was one of the things you admired and hated simultaneously. You would never come even close to her level of fearlessness, not even if you tried. However, the recklessness that came with it managed to drive you mad sometimes.

“Never.” she smiled faintly, looking strained after the already lengthy journey, “There’s no reason to be afraid, Y/N. Right now, we’re still safe. And when it comes down to it, you’ll still have me to protect you. And Tolya - of course.”

You had to chuckle at that statement. Of course, the twins would be the first ones to keep the party safe. Even though you weren’t sure if that’s necessarily what she meant by saying ‘you’.

“I never doubted your willingness to fight, Tamar.” you replied, “And the willingness of your brother - of course.”

You both looked at each other, an amused grin on your faces. It could be difficult finding humour in times like these, so you appreciated it even more when you did. If you could've stayed in this moment forever, you wouldn't mind it.

However, the low metallic whirring of hummingbird-like wings caused your heart to stand still. Before anyone could even utter a word, you knew immediately what was going to happen.

"Y/N, Tamar! Get down!" Nikolai screamed, followed by Tolya having to yank him back.

Tamar and you whipped your heads around, only to be met with a horrible discovery. The previously blue sky was now littered with sickly-looking winged soldiers, that were set on killing you. The jittery noise their wings made echoed in your head like a diabolical rhythm.

"Khergud." Tamar whispered, pulling out the axe that was hoisted on her belt.

She advanced toward Nikolai and her brother, trying her best to not get grabbed by the attacking soldiers. You followed swiftly after her, your mind racing, as you thought about what to do next. They had already smelled that you and the twins were Grisha, hence why they were mainly trying to focus on the three of you.

With a strong sense of determination, you called for your power, almost instantly feeling the familiar warmth pulse through your body. In a matter of split seconds, you managed to call a burst of fire from the candles at the cathedral's entrance, managing to set two of the creatures aflame. You weren't aware of their ability to speak, so you could only feel shock shoot through you, when you heard the inhuman screech they let out as they went down.

Sadly, this didn't do much. There were just too many to fight at once. When you sent another wave of flames towards them, you couldn't even see whether you were able to hit some of them before a bullet met your side, and you violently got yanked off of your feet and pulled up in the air. One of these bloody creatures had caught you. The grip of its sharp fingers squeezed your arms, drawing blood at the spots where the foul nails met your flesh. If you screamed you didn't know it, the sudden change in events knocking out every ounce of air that had filled your lungs before.

"Y/N!" Tamar called out, an unintelligible mass of voices droning behind her.

The rest of the fight was a blur. You heard gunshots, shouts, the clanking of metal against metal, and most terrifying of all, the horrible sounds the Khergud made when they went down - either to die or to attack. You saw a metallic net being thrown over Tamar and Tolya, pinning them down and ultimately restricting their hand movement. From the corner of your eye, you saw Nikolai trying his best to fight against them. The vicious clutch your attacker had on your arms made you slip in and out of consciousness, the blood dripping from your wounds staining your clothes. The last thing you knew, was its hold on you loosening, and both of your bodies sinking towards the dirty ground. Then you blacked out.

Everything around them was chaos. Some of the Khergud had crashed into the church, destroying some of the walls and windows. The twins had finally managed to get rid of the net that had bound them down so that they were able to aid Nikolai in taking down the last soldiers that were close to the ground before a handful of them managed to escape through the air. He took a glimpse at his team - his friends - and shuddered when he found Tamar's eyes, looking absolutely horrified. You weren't with them.

"Tamar, where is Y/N?" he asked sternly, feeling his heart racing at the thought of having to bury another one of his friends.

But she didn't answer. Instead, she dashed towards a pile of rubble and bodies that lay close to one of the broken-down cathedral domes. She recognized the distinct silver bracelet she had gifted you once without a hint of doubt. It was a pretty gruesome scene, that she was faced with. Your body laid next to the corpse of your assailant - if that's what you could call a lifeless Khergud - and you were littered with bruises and scratches. One of its metal wings was cutting into the flesh of your hip, forcefully tearing up your clothes. After taking in what she had just witnessed, she instantly bent down to you, her shaky hands carefully prying the wings from you. When she noticed the bullet wound she had to fight the urge to vomit, but she pushed down the feeling of nausea, determined to not let you slip away. She had seen worse, but not on people she cares about.

Nikolai and Tolya walked up behind her, cringing after seeing what she was hovering over. Without saying a word, she allowed herself to listen to your heartbeat. For the first time without your permission. Her call was met with deafening silence.

Her hands flew to your body, trying desperately to shake you awake, even though she was perfectly aware that it wouldn't work. Tolya took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment and mimicking the procedure his sister had done only seconds earlier. Nikolai knelt down next to Tamar, trying to calm her down - without much success. They both stopped when Tolya gasped, his eyes fluttering open as moved his hands upwards, bringing them down on your chest quickly.

"There's a heartbeat." he breathed out, repeating the procedure again.

"But- but she had none, when I-" Tamar stammered, her hands visibly shaking.

"It's faint. Very faint. But it's there." Tolya muttered, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead, "We need to get her back as soon as possible. I'll carry her, and you try to keep her heart stable."

"I can't." she blurted out, her eyes not moving from your form, "I don't think that I'll be able to keep her heart beating. Let me carry her."

"Tamar, your hands are shaking, I don't think that would-" Nikolai suggested, a hand still resting on her shoulder.

"Alright. Let's go." Tolya interjected, letting his gaze fly over his sister one more time before she nodded and pulled you up in her arms.

You expected to wake up buried beneath the rubble - or even to not wake up at all. But when you pried open your eyes, your gaze was fixed on a wooden ceiling. Your body felt heavy, and every single minuscule movement made you regret it immediately after. The smell of burnt firewood, freshly brewed Suutei tsai and incense lay thickly in the air around you. You had no idea where exactly you are, as the memories of the attack started to steadily catch up to you.

Where were the others?

The question hit you like a brick. You didn’t remember whether they were able to make it out alive. Against all your logical thoughts telling you not to, you tried to set up straight. And you regretted it straight away. The wounds you had acquired yesterday reminded you of their presence as a sharp jolt of pain flashed through you. You hid the pain as best as you could, the sense of worry stronger than your discomfort.

However, you managed to calm down slightly, when you saw Tolya snooze in the chair close to your bed. His usually neat ponytail was dishevelled, and he looked as if he hadn’t slept in a proper bed in ages. You were safe. At least one of your friends was safe. You were alive and semi-well. Everything was alright.

Your needy breathing seemed to have pulled him from his slumber. He blinked multiple times as if he didn’t want to believe that it was you who sat there. You flashed him a tired smile, trying your best to not wince while your whole body ached.

“Saints, Y/N, we really thought you were a goner.” he uttered, standing up and moving towards your bed, “You’re not allowed to scare us like that ever again, or else I might have to bring back Tamar from the dead too.”

“You had to bring me back from the dead?” you asked, the colour draining from your face.

He paused, his face pulled into an uncomfortable grimace.

“Yes, when we brought you back here, your heart stopped. I thought Nikolai and Tamar would join you right then and there. We managed to bring you back though, so congratulations on your first near-death experience.” he chuckled awkwardly.

“Thank you…and sorry for that.” you added, knowing that it must’ve been quite straining to bring you back from the dead, “How are the others? Are they hurt?”

“They are mainly fine. Nikolai only has to deal with a few cuts and bruises, so he’ll be fine. Tamar also wasn’t hurt that badly, but if she was, I wouldn’t have the pleasure to know.” he grumbled, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“Why?” you inquired worriedly since the twins usually were closer than anyone else you knew.

“She was in shock after finding you. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen her that afraid. She only went to bed a few hours ago, after I basically had to drag her out of her. Otherwise, she would’ve stayed until exhaustion took her.”

You shook your head, not being able to hide the faint blush that sneaked on your face. Tolya threw you an amused glance, seemingly aware of the tension between the two of you.

“Do you want me to get her? I don’t think that she was able to sleep for that long. Maybe you should have a little talk.” he mused, grinning contently.

“Only if she’s actually awake.”

He nodded, leaving the room swiftly as he went to look for his sister.

You didn’t even have to wait long until a familiar set of footsteps came rushing towards your room. The door flew open again, this time revealing an utterly distressed Tamar. Her mood lightened when she saw you smiling back at her. You expected her to say something, but she only strode to your bed, leaning down to engulf you in a comforting hug. She was careful to not touch your bandaged wounds - even though you didn’t think that you would’ve cared. The comfort of her embrace soothed you greatly.

“Don’t ever do that again.” she mumbled into the crook of your neck.

“I wasn’t planning on repeating that anytime soon.” you giggled softly.

“You have no clue how afraid I was. I really thought that I would never see you again. Alive at least.”

“I thought you’d never be scared of anything?” you responded only half-jokingly.

She took a brief pause, shuffling a bit further away from you to look at you properly for the first time. Her eyes were a bit puffy, and she looked as tired as ever. Your hand absent-mindedly moved forward to cup her cheeks in an attempt to reassure her of your presence. You were here. You were alive. This gesture was something completely new, and both of you knew that the feeling that settled between you was far from platonic.

And as if it had been a natural reaction, you pulled her closer to you, your lips connecting in an instant. Your heart took a leap as you felt the very much-needed sensation of her lips against yours. It felt like this situation had always been bound to happen, no one wanting to be the first to pull away, in fear of having this moment end.

“There’s only one thing that I’m scared of. And that is losing you.”

[yandere-sins]

Hiii, it's my first time here !! I wonder if you could ask my question, if possible of course of Yandere Geralt of Rivia...

Imagine a scenario where the reader is from our world and went to Geralt's world, then the reader find him at him and tells his story and asks for help to return to his home... Of course, as time goes by, Geralt becomes "sick with love " for the reader to the point of becoming Yandere.

Note: the reader sees Geralt as best friend or older brother.

Thanks for your request ♥

»»———————— ♡ ————————««     

You were simply relieved you weren’t alone. 

There were a lot of terrible things that could happen to you, reaching from being mauled by a monster to cut down by a sword, and so, so many gruesome things more. Whatever Geralt saw in you, you were glad it didn’t make him leave you alone to your misery, no matter how strange you were.

Truthfully, you weren’t even a good choice as a squire, but aside from grumbling about your unhelpfulness when it came to battle, Geralt hadn’t driven you away. Despite being rough around the edges, he truly was the hero you needed in your predicament, and for that, you were thankful. 

Whatever you could do, you did, may it be fetching water or helping set up a tent. While the life of a traveling witcher was nothing you wished to pursue forever, you put up with everything you could so that you wouldn’t end up on your own again. The first week spent stumbling through the wild and running from monsters had been enough bad experience in this world for you. Now, your mind was only on one thing: Getting home.

It probably was a luxury to have Geralt’s help in not dying and achieving your goal, but all the more, you were relieved that whatever power made you fall into this strange world had enough mercy to send you this angel of a man. No matter how many dirty, uncomfortable looks you got for being with him whenever you two came into a town, you would endure them, knowing Geralt was the key to make this situation just a memory and send you back home to your family.

Home. It sounded heavenly. 

You sighed deeply, slowly awaking from your slumber. It couldn’t have been long that you fell asleep, the campfire still burning lively next to you. You still felt tired, but something was different than usual. Heavy even.

Pulling down the blanket you had wrapped yourself with, you saw the big arm laying around you, making you realized the heat of a second body in your back. Geralt never slept closer than necessary to you, but without the need to guess, he was definitely sleeping right beside you, spooning you from behind. 

With a flushing heat rising to your face, you were too embarrassed to say anything, even though his arm alone was too heavy to fall asleep with again. He might have accidentally fallen asleep next to you after having some drinks before bed and mistaken you for someone to cuddle up to. But waking him wasn’t an option. Geralt struggled with his sleep enough as it is; you wouldn’t dare to interrupt him and cause a scene. But the reality was very different from what you assumed. 

You heard him take a deep breath as he buried his face into the nape of your neck, not shy to pull away the fabric covering you and pushing his face into your skin. As you listened to him mutter your name, you felt a cold shudder run down your spine, but you tried not to make him notice you were awake. “[Name], [Name], [Name]...” he mumbled, and you bit your lip. The way he said your name always made it sound reproachful, despite you not remembering what you did wrong that day. 

“Look at you, letting your guard down. Don’t you know that I...”

His voice trailed off as you felt him shift suddenly. You reacted quickly, pretending to be fast asleep with your eyes closed and lips slightly parted innocently. Geralt let out a small chuckle before you felt him reach over you, dragging his thumb over your lip. “What are you dreaming about? Your heart is racing.”

Realizing you forgot the first thing about Witcher - their heightened senses - you didn’t know how to help yourself other than stirring a little in your sleep, putting on a frown. Sure enough, that made him halt in his tracks and back away a little, as if he feared you waking up. Only when you settled down again did Geralt relax as well, returning to his spooning position. 

“Seriously...” he kept muttering. “How am I supposed to go on like this? Every time we meet a Sorceress, I am afraid she will have a way to send you home.”

Something about his words gave you a sad impression. Almost as if parting would hurt him, but you weren’t sure if this was just your impression or if the tiny bit of his past that he told you about actually gave him this fear. In your eyes, Geralt was fearless and kept his composure no matter what, but what if you had misjudged him?

“I’d like to keep you all to myself. Lock you up and never let you go. Maybe when we get to Kaer Morhen, I could--”

This time, his voice halted suddenly, and he rose again from behind you. “Are you awake?” he asked, quiet still as if he was hoping you were asleep after all. You simply remained in your pretend sleep, taking an audible breather and hoping it would fool him. He remained in this careful stiffness for a while before he finally drew back. Immediately, you were surrounded by the chilly air of the night as his body disappeared, but before you dared to attempt to move around, you heard more of his mumbles.

“No, I can’t. I shouldn’t... It’s not right...”

What couldn’t he do?

You were ready to blame all the gibberish you had just heard on the mead you two had before bed, but the questions didn’t seem to stop circling your mind. Geralt seemed to fall asleep somewhere a bit further away, while you felt wide awake now. You couldn’t believe that Geralt - of all people! - could have developed any kind of feelings for you. But why else would he be worried about your return? Why would he say those things about locking you up?

Way too freaked out, you tried to make sense of what you had witnessed. Certainly, he didn’t want you to be awake as it went down, but now that you knew, you were left conflicted. Part of you kept getting goosebumps as you remembered the feeling of his face pressed into your shoulder and his words echoing in your ear. The other part tried to justify it with any and all reasons like the alcohol, loneliness maybe. There was no sleep for you after all, and Geralt kept stealing irritated glances at you the following day until he finally asked, “Are you okay?” 

You flinched after being suddenly addressed, not even your exhaustion able to tear you out of your thoughts that still pondered about the last night. “Oh, yeah! I’m fine,” you tried to assure him, and he contemplated your response for a bit before replying, “There’s this place we should go to next. Maybe we can find some books on portals there.”

“Sounds good,” you chuckled. Nervosity spread inside of you as you hoped he didn’t mean the place that he was talking about last night. 

“I grew up there. You might even be able to sleep in a bed for a change. Kaer Morhen is also safe and...”

After that part, your mind simply shut off as the word kept repeating over and over in your head. Kaer Morhen. Kaer Morhen. Kaer Morhen. Kaer Morhen.

Kaer Morhen, lock up, never let go.

“...and it isn’t far from here,” he finished his explanation, looking at you as he waited for an answer while you could feel the horror showing in your expression. The red flags were so abundantly clear by now, but you absolutely refused to think this way about him. He wasn’t a bad man, he would never... or?

There were a lot of terrible things that could have happened to you on this journey, but you had put all your trust into Geralt to keep you safe. To help you. To be a companion so you wouldn’t be lonely. And until the end, you hoped Geralt wouldn’t turn out to be the monster or the sword you feared so much.

But who could tell what he’d do when he finally had a taste of living out the things he desired?

[baek-at-it-again95]

Walk The Plank (KHJ x fem reader)

Chapter 10: Your Story

You had grown up hearing tales about the infamous pirate crew ATEEZ—the fearless, power-hungry men that roamed the seas in search of the most valuable treasure they could lay their hands on. You almost didn’t believe the stories your mother had told you as a child...not until you wound up on their ship  

Warnings for this chapter: romance haha, cursing, violence

A/N: Wow...I had begun writing this with the thought that this would be the final chapter, but I wanted to leave room for more potential storyline and now we have this. I guess we have a long way to go now. I seriously cannot thank you all enough for reading this story :) Even if it's just a hand full of you, I appreciate you to the ends of the world! Have a lovely night/day, and see you next week? ;)

Previous: Chapter 9, Masterlist

Chapter 10: Your Story

After arriving back at the ship, the crew is overjoyed and ready to celebrate your victory with a long night. The sun has just begun to set, and preparations have been made to set sail towards the mainland at dawn. There, you will all be able to rest for a bit and recover from your journey at sea. Perhaps you would be able to write to your mother and father to let them know you're alright...they must be worried sick. 

On the main deck, everyone clinks their celebratory drinks together and exchange their words and laughter. You get to see San and Wooyoung dance around and fall over several times, making you laugh so hard you can barely breathe. You have a feeling you would witness them dance like this even when they're not drunk. 

Deciding that just one drink is enough, you sit back and take in the pleasant scene of everyone enjoying themselves. You sit on the steps to the quarter deck with your side resting against the railing, reminding you of the night that Hongjoong had told you a story under the moonlight. You smile to yourself and look out to the sunset.

"Miss Y/N."

Seonghwa appears in front of you. "You do not have to call me that, Hwa." 

"Right. I will get used to it m-....ahem...Y/N." His behavior is odd, his eyes not meeting yours for more than a second at a time...like he usually does when he talks to you about Hongjoong. You think you had finally connected the dots, noticing that he becomes a sputtering mess when he talks to you about one matter and one matter only. The captain. He must have something he's hiding...and you will take the opportunity to play dumb in the hopes that he lets something slip. 

"My, Seonghwa, you truly worry me. Are you feeling ill again?" You stand up to raise your hand to his forehead, but he steps back and avoids contact.

"Oh, no. I am well." He clears his throat. "The captain requests your presence."

"Ah! Why have you not said so?" You smile, tucking a piece of his hair behind his ear. "He seems to do that a lot. Thank you, Hwa. Rest well tonight, hm? You deserve it." Seonghwa looks as if he has something to say in reply, but he stops himself, simply smiling and giving you a respectful bow. You head to the captain's cabin, not really sure what to expect. 

As you enter, Hongjoong stands up from his desk. "Y/N," he greets.

"Captain."

He smiles. "I hope I am not interrupting your celebration, my lady."

"Not at all. Why do you ask for me?"

"Well, I have not quite gotten to thank you yet." 

"You have thanked me enough, Captain," you insist. You just now observe how lovely the man in front of you looks in his white button down, his skin like honey in the warm light of the oil lamps in the cabin. Suddenly it's harder to breathe. He takes a few steps forward and you remain in place. "Perhaps you have another reason?" you ask hopefully.

Hongjoong slowly draws closer, the gap between you closing until you are mere inches apart. You don't dare meet his eyes, preferring to look at the necklace on his chest as it rises and falls with his breaths. "You must be aware that since boarding my ship, you have been on my mind day and night." Your eyes find his in surprise and a soft gasp escapes your lips.

"You are a treasure unlike anything I have desired before, Y/N. I have not met anyone as impressive or intriguing as you. You are brave. Your knowledge is expansive, and you have this incredible ability to be kind to anyone. You are beautiful." His fingers gently trace your jawline before cupping your cheek.

"I must confess," you tell him. "You have also been on my mind." His eye seems to sparkle at this. "You are charming and respectable, Hongjoong."

"Thank you, darling." Hongjoong's gaze slowly falls to your lips. You quickly close the distance and bring your lips to his. He tastes faintly of rum and you smile between his kisses, thinking about how you must taste the same. His hand leaves your cheek and his arm finds your waist to pull you closer.

When you pull away to catch your breath, you smile at Hongjoong shyly. You bring your hands to his face this time, gently tracing over the leather of his eye patch, his cheekbones, and his lips that you already crave more of. 

"Shall we go and continue celebrating with the others?" you ask.

"No." He laughs. You pout, giving him another quick kiss. His lips follow yours desperately as you try to pull away.

"Hongjoong?"

"Yes, my lady?"

"I demand that we go and celebrate."

"Are you the captain now?" He raises an eyebrow. You clear your throat.

"Yes."

"I see. Aye, my lady. Let us go." Hongjoong holds out his elbow and you take a hold of his arm with a grin.

***

You sigh after a long while of sitting curled up in the crow's nest, stretching out your back.

"What are you doing, Y/N?" Wooyoung asks, head appearing over the side as usual. You gently shut the journal in front of you, confident enough that the ink has dried.

"I just finished writing about our journey, Woo." 

"May I read it?" he asks eagerly. "I've been practicing with San every day."

"Sure, love." You hand the journal to the curious boy as he sits next to you. You help him flip to the page you had started on, scooting closer. 

"The first of them...that I met was...Wooyoung," he reads slowly, finger sliding across the page as he speaks. He chuckles. "You were so cute, I felt bad scarin' ya."

"And you tell me that now?"

"You're welcome." He looks back down at the page and continues reading. "He and Yunho...d...dragged me onto...their ship. They...b...brought me to their captain. I made a deal...with him in order to keep my crew safe. I did not know then...that I would end up being a pirate. It just worked out that way. Maybe it was m...meant to be." Wooyoung looks up from reading again to meet your gaze, his smile mirroring yours. You're so proud that he's getting better at reading. "I say it's fate!"

"I think so, too." 

"The captain..." He stops as he giggles. "Has taken a liking to you." 

"Wooyoung!" You cover your face as your cheeks start to get warm.

"I see the way he acts, sweetheart. He has always had the individual interests of his crew in mind, but your interests are of highest importance. He makes sure you're safe before anyone else. He talks about you when you're not there. Y/N, he is starstruck."

"Ah!" You hide your face in Wooyoung's shoulder. His body shakes as he laughs his adorable, contagious laugh. "hm tld mh of hs flngs lst nght."

"What?" Wooyoung asks, pulling your head away from him.

"He told me of his feelings last night." 

"And?" he asks, eyes wide.

"And what?" You ask nervously, looking away from him.

"I knew it! You have fallen for him."

"Woo!" You cry, burying your face right back into his shoulder. 

***

"Now that we have the Cromer, the next step is to discover how to harness its power. And that next step is proving to be quite difficult." Seonghwa sighs, scribbling down something in a notebook with his quill. "It figures that a magical artifact would be protected by confusing magic."

"The most stubborn I've ever seen," Hongjoong mutters, tapping on the hourglass with his hook.

"Joong," you sigh, pulling his arm away from the fragile object. It's been a frustrating time trying to uncover the powers of the Cromer before arriving to the mainland. You know the two are growing tired as they shuffle around the cabin, and you don't think it's necessary stress for them. "Let us take a moment away from this." You take Hongjoong's hand and rub small circles with your thumb, hoping it will bring him some peace. "You too, Hwa." You turn and gently take the quill from his hand. He gives you a tired smile, relieved to stop. Hongjoong places a light kiss to your temple.

"Y/N."

"Yes?" you ask.

"Yes, what?" Seonghwa asks curiously. 

"Did you not just call my name?" You look between Hwa and Hongjoong and they exchange confused glances in return.

"No, love," Hongjoong says calmly. 

"Oh..." 

"Y/N." You step back from Hongjoong, confused. You don't think he had said anything. You look over to Seonghwa who has now stood up, looking worried. 

"I heard it again," you say. You all quietly glance around the room before you start to move, first walking toward the door. Maybe Wooyoung is calling you from outside. Or perhaps San is searching for you to help him with something. You slowly open the door and peek out, only to see neither of the two. You shake your head and shut the door, now questioning if you had even heard anything in the first place.

"Y/N." You snap your head towards the Cromer. Seonghwa and Hongjoong look, too. 

"From there?" Hongjoong asks. You nod, cautiously walking up to the hourglass. When your fingertips touch the top, a chill runs down your spine. You feel compelled to pick it up. As you lift it from the desk, you feel a bit strange. You blink a few times, your eyes adjusting to the dim room. Had it been this dark before?

"Hongjoong I-" When you look up, your heart practically stops. He is not there. Seonghwa is not there. In fact, you are not in the captain's cabin of the ship. You seem to be in some kind of building with a high ceiling; something that you have never seen before. Like it is from a different time. "Hongjoong?" you whisper into the quiet. Fear had begun to mix with your panic, freezing you in place.

A sound from outside brings your attention to the large open door, and you realize just how vulnerable you are at the center of this room. You look around for something to hide behind, spotting a large pile of wooden boxes in the corner. You run for them, trying to steady your breathing as the noise gets closer. A minute passes before a person dressed in all black clothing rushes inside, a hat shielding the view of their face. Following close behind is a large figure in white, a mask covering their entire head and neck. They look as if they are from opposite worlds. The figure in white catches up to the other, grabbing them by the back of their coat. In the process, the person's hat falls to the ground, leaving you in shock. It's Hongjoong. Well, someone that looks just like him. His hair is slightly different, but even in the dark, his features are unmistakably the same. And now he is struggling for his life against this mysterious figure in white. 

He is going to be hurt if he continues. A part of you wants to stay hidden, but you simply can't sit and watch. Your hands shake as you abandon your hiding place, running towards the center of the room. "Let him go!" you shout. Both figures turn their attention to you.

The person in white throws the other man to the side and heads straight for you. "Shit." You just barely manage to dodge them as they lunge to grab you. You back away quickly, but they've recovered faster than you expected. They run straight for you again, and you're not sure you'll be able to dodge them this time.

"Move!" The man in black pushes you out of the way and you both tumble to the ground.

"Y/N!" Someone shouts. You manage to break free and jump to your feet, feeling dizzy when you see you're back in the captain's cabin. Hongjoong and the seven of his original crew stand before you. You rush over to the familiar captain whom you had left behind just moments ago, gripping his arms as you hide behind him.

"H-he..." you can barely form a sentence as the man in black rises from the floor where you just had. As he stands to full height, the color drains from everyone's faces. "He's you."

>>chapter 11